Rating: 
Summary: What are you people reading?
Review: Frank McCourt's book Angela's Ashes was a MEMOIR. It was intended to be a truthful and vivid account of his REAL life. I thought it was wonderful, and I learned a lot about what life was like for indigent families in Ireland. Yes, the scenes were graphic and tragedies seemed endless, but it was VERY well-written. I think a lot of people didn't like the book, either because they were expecting a delicate, sugar-coated tale of his childhood or simply because the story forced them to evaluate how many things they took for granted in their own childhood. Guilt can be a terrible thing...Also, how can anyone say that there was too much sadness? This is an ACTUAL account of someone's life. I applaud Mr. McCourt at having shared his pain with his readers. For all of those who did not like this book, next time, pick up one of those predictable romance novels from the grocery store; leave the emotional truths and real-life stories to the rest of us.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay story, good writing
Review: I liked this book fairly well. I think that it was depressing, but if his life was derpressing, then he should portray it honestly. I saw that some reviews said there was no misery in Limerick, because of the strong sense of community there. I say that if he was miserable then there was misery. Also, I notice on many of the reviews that are negative, even if its an honest representation of the book, most people find it unhelpful. It's the same for other books. Why is this?
Rating: 
Summary: Who needs fiction?
Review: How can one possible descibe this Memoir? It's laugh out loud funny, tragic, frustrating, shake your fist maddening, and completely engrossing. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! The fact that the author actually lived this tale challenges you to find something to honestly complain about in your own life. I am reading the continuation of the story, "Tis'" and find it just as enjoyable, and have just received A MONK SWIMMING by Mr.McCourts brother Malachy as a gift, which I'll read next.There is nothing better than a good story, and the fact the stories are true to life, makes this book, and it's continuation, some of the best reading I've experienced.
Rating:
Summary: You Must Read This Book
Review: Deciding that I wanted to read this book before seeing the movie, I'm so glad I did. I couldn't put this book down. It's so unbelievably depressing and sad, yet you will find yourself laughing as you read what Frank is thinking as a young boy living life in proverty. It's amazing to me to think of how these drunk fathers could watch their children starve to death, simply because they couldn't resist the drink. This book is a real triumph, and left me with that sense of hope, that if Frank McCourt could get through that, you can get through anything.
Rating:
Summary: very realistic, can't-put-down kind of book
Review: I am the daughter of an Irish-American who was born in the U.S. during the mid-twenties. Admittedly, I read this book because it was a best-seller, but after reading just the first paragraph, I knew I had to read it. Not only did this book give me some insight into the reality of poverty (from which I've been spared, thank God), but it gave me a great understanding of my father. I brought up and read various passages from the book to my father and he couldn't have agreed more whole-heartedly. Besides enjoying the biography itself, I enjoyed Mr. McCourt's writing style. I've never come across such a way of writing; it was quite intriguing. I disagree with the 3-star reviewer about the lack of thought on McCourt's part as a teenager. When a person grows up in a certain milieu, why should one question it? As was stated in the book, one just didn't ask questions of ANYONE that wasn't a peer. Nowadays, we offer greater diversity in schools and a chance for questions by all students, so we see the disparity very clearly, almost painfully. I haven't read 'Tis yet, but I am sure Mr. McCourt will be sharing his thoughts one life and how it can be different.
Rating:
Summary: A very good book.
Review: I don't know why, but I really thought this was a great book. It was sad, witty, easy to get through, fun at times, and also very depressing. It tells a great story, and that story is made even better by the simple fact that its true. I don't know what else to say. It's just a good book. I hope that the movie does the book justice.
Rating:
Summary: a glimpse into irish life
Review: touching tale of one man's journey through life set in an irish background. really emotional and an easy read. very good and highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Good Stuff
Review: Angela's Ashes made me want a drink
Rating: 
Summary: Not my idea of a great read
Review: Although McCourt is a gifted writer, and I did enjoy many sections of the book, I found it too depressing with few redeeming qualities. As a Catholic growing up in the 1950's, I could identify with the numerous occasions of sin he portrayed. However, the ending was flat - and unrealistic. It seemed as if Mr. McCourt got bored with all the misery and body fluids and just wanted it over. The title has no relevance to anything in the book - "Angela's Ashes" appears to refer to his Mother, whom he left alive and well in Ireland and not deceased. I shall be more cautious about running out to buy any of Oprah's Book Club Selections.
Rating: 
Summary: Drivel...
Review: OK, "Angela's Ashes" is a decent way to pass a couple of hours in the easy chair, and a far sight better use of time than the television watching which would otherwise occupy the majority of the book's supporters. But it is not Pulitzer material. Mr. McCourt's writing talents are passable, and god knows he is more than capable of employing those devices which sell books, not least of which are cliche and downright heartstring-tugging. Something is sorely lacking in this book, however, most notably character and story. Yes it is a memoir, which can, I suppose, be expected to sport a little less structure than a typical novel. But this is little more than a self-indulgent 426 page plea for pity from a man who has weathered a series of conditions known all too well to millions of Irish in the past and billions of human beings in the present. The picaresque novel has been dead for some time. Those who wish a better and much finer-crafted view of the life of the unfortunates of yesterday and today should look to authors such as Rohinton Mistry and Toni Morrison, among others. Doling out a Pulitzer to Mr. McCourt is like giving the literature Nobel to Michael Crichton. Both 'author's' works have their place, but neither deserve great praise.
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