Just like Tom Joad, Jeannette Walls must learn the power of community and its importance over perseverance. However, in the Glass Castle, the aspiration to lead a better life leads children to unimaginable heights. “He took the Glass Castle plans with him wherever we went, and sometimes he would take them out and let us work on the design of our rooms. . . (Walls 25).” This drive to lead more promising and fulfilling lives stems directly from the abusive living conditions in which Jeannette grew up. In this way, the Glass Castle differs from the unfortunately difficult lives of the Joads in Grapes of Wrath. “No child is born a delinquent. They only became like this if no one loved them when they were children. Unloved children grow up to become serial killers or alcoholics. . . (Walls 83).” With this knowledge, Jeannette learns that she must force herself to move away from the metaphorical