Angela's Ashes (AUDIO CASSETTE)

Rating:
Summary: Best book I've read in the nineties
Review: This book is a must - if there ever was a must! The tale of the author's childhood is simply told brilliantly.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: Well, I hadn't even heard of Angela's Ashes until I read a paragraph over someones shoulder, and was allready pulled in. I proceeded to read it, and I definately wasn't let down. Although this is a story of hardships, whilst reading this I found it still very easy to smile because of the humourous style of this story. I also found it amazing that Frank McCourt was able to recapture his child like wonder. This novel is a story of suffering, but even though the McCourts are poor, the family is still absolutely fantastic to hear about. My favourite bits were "Italy", and the "Angel on the seventh step".

Rating:
Summary: My husband thinks I'm nuts for laughing out loud at a book
Review: I just finished reading Angela's Ashes about five minutes ago, and I felt it necessary to write this review for the sake of anyone who grew up in an Irish Catholic family. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. I laughed out loud about every three pages from just the bare bones observations of a young Catholic boy. From going to confession, to associating what you learn at church with what you see in life, Mr. McCourt hit it right on the head. I think this book should be in the personal library of every Catholic that can laugh at themselves, and the sins of our religion.

Rating:
Summary: Too gloomy for me.
Review: I only made it slightly past the half way point when I was bogged down by the darkness and misery of this tale. The writing certainly has a lyrical quality, but I could not endure all of the tragedy. Surely there must have been some more uplifting events that could help to lighten the reading burden.

Rating:
Summary: In many ways, this book is like a Rorschach test about life
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book; the writing, the wit. No other book made me laugh and weep like this one has. I found the story of Frank McCourt's childhood experiences in Ireland to be uplifting, and not depressing as others have mentioned. This book should be required reading for both parents and young people of appropriate age, as it could make you a better guardian in the former and more appreciative of a modern society in the latter. This book illustrates how resilient children can be given little hope or soap, and live to tell us. This book is nothing less than the triumph of the human spirit.

Rating:
Summary: A better understanding
Review: A truly eye opening read. Thoroughly absorbing as I now understand my other half & his family better! (He was born & raised in Ireland, now lives and works in UK) I'm glad he loves me lots as whilst reading the book I felt a tad guilty being English! Looking forward to 'Tis

Rating:
Summary: Frustrating and exhausting, yet spellbinding.
Review: With James Joyce being my all time favorite author, this was a must read for me (the tale of growing up in Ireland). As I began reading, I certainly gave a pshaw or two. I said to myself "Yes this young fellow had a tough life, but has anyone read a child called it?" While Mr. McCourt certainly didn't endure the abuse David Pelzer did, there seemed to be no end to Mr. McCourt's tragedies. Imagine the frustration of waiting week after week for your fathers pay, only to know it was to be drunk at the pub. Imagine the conflict as you didn't know how to view the father. He was an alcoholic that left his family in poverty, but you could still clearly see that he loved his family...but could not get past his sickness. The use of words was wonderful, I especially loved how he used to call the upstairs of his house "Italy" because it was warm, while the downstairs was "Ireland" because it was flooded. Now I see the film is coming out, and as we know...normally films cannot hold a candle to the books written on them. However, after viewing the trailer to this one...I saw exactly what I pictured in my head. I may ramble, but it's difficult to read this book and not ramble about it. I do not give 5 star reviews myself easily...this one was very worthy.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific!
Review: I finally bought this book after much deliberation. I really didn't think it would be that good but it was far better than I imagined it would be. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I couldn't wait to get to the next page and the next page..... It made me laugh and cry! The characters and environment were described with such great detail without being boring or repetitive. I just really loved this memoir and can't wait for the sequel! Great job Mr. McCourt!

Rating:
Summary: Powerful and unforgettable
Review: This book had a profound effect on me. I certainly found parts of it difficult to read through and there were several times I had to put the book down because it was too overwhelmingly sad. I wouldn't recommend reading this book while eating either. I was so moved by the author's unapologetic straighforwardness. He told of a miserable childhood but there was very little self pity I thought. I can't wait to see the movie to see if it compares.

Rating:
Summary: Starts great, but such redundant misery
Review: It grabbed me from the start, but now about half way through I wonder how much more starvation, drinking problems, poverty, and gloom I can stand. Got to be a glimmer of sunshine somewhere down the line. I will finish it, but it's getting hard to get back into the muck.