She’s best known for her 2005 New York Times bestselling memoir The Glass Castle, a powerful story that put her on the map as a compelling voice in modern literature. This Arizona-born author, whose name resonates with readers around the world, didn’t stop there—she also brought her sharp wit and keen observations to a popular gossip column for MSNBC.com. In 2009, she expanded her literary reach with her debut work of fiction, Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel, which was widely praised for its unique blend of fact and storytelling.
Before all the fame and acclaim, her life was far from easy. She and her three siblings faced periods of homelessness during their youth, moving frequently across several states like Arizona, California, Nevada, and West Virginia. Despite the challenges, she remained determined. By her late teens, she made her way to New York City, where she eventually earned an honors degree from Barnard College—a major milestone in her journey.
Her personal life has had its share of chapters too. Her first marriage, to Eric Goldberg, spanned from 1988 to 1996. Later on, she found stability and companionship with her second husband, John Taylor, who, like her, is a journalist. Together, they built a life in Virginia, continuing to contribute to the world of writing and storytelling.
Through every phase of her life—struggle, success, reinvention—she’s remained a figure of resilience and authenticity, earning not just readers’ attention, but their deep respect.
She started out in the world of writing as an intern, working for a newspaper based in Brooklyn, New York—The Phoenix—and that’s really where her journey began. It was during this time that she got her first real taste of journalism, learning the ropes and honing her skills. Her name became more recognized later on, but it all traces back to those early days at The Phoenix, where her passion truly took root.