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Summary: The reason I can see.
Review: In the pits of desperation and hunger they were happy to be out playing in the rain. What a life that was simply written
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Summary: Big disappointment; well written, depressing and dirty
Review: Read this book if your looking for some 'too deep'journey into the , sick and depressing childhood of a poverty stricken irish catholic boy and his family that are a disgrace to their religion and heritage. Frank M. overcame a lot and I will give him credit for that, but there is little inspiration in this book. Why so many found it inspiring and uplifting boggles my mind the only reason I finished this book was because I was sure there was something good in it, I wasted my time and money by searching for something that wasn't there. There are some things that 'should' be kept private, that people should not be proud of. Frank seems to write off every bad thing anyone does in this book as 'understandable' and thats a shame. Forgivness is good but condonement is an entirely different animal. Adultery, abuse, masturbation, fornication, alcholism and idleness are not an acceptible part of life, I feel that he promotes all of them to an extent. This book is a good example of an incredibly gifted writer that is able to use his talent to make anything 'seem' okay, and apparantly thousands of people have believed him. I have always enjoyed memoirs and novels pertaining to rising out of opresion, but this book was one of the worst I have ever read. I wish I had never read it, he could have made it much better and still gotten his point across without being so lewd and offensive.
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Summary: Without a doubt, the best book I have ever read.
Review: What a joy to read. I felt like I was there with Frank while he was growing up. This man deserves all the success in the world. Can't wait until 'Tis comes out.
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Summary: Flashes of brilliance, lots of affectation
Review: A very good read. A good yarn, often illuminating, and sometimes truly brilliant, (e.g., the part about his father reminding him of the holy trinity; the second paragraph of the book, which the jacket pretends is the opening paragraph . . .), but . . . This book was a bit hard to swallow. The voice is so affected sometimes, especially when he reaches for the little-boy heartstrings. A bit manipulative, a little too self-serving. And as it progresses, sometimes just a little dull. Voice is central, and this voice just didn't quite ring authentic. A nice read, but hardly a masterpiece. I'm a little distraught that nearly everyone on this list gave it one star or five. The one stars make it clear it's just not their cup of tea, but all those five stars--come on, where's the discrimination? There's lots to love about this book, but just because it provokes an emotional response many times, that doesn't necessarily make it great art. There are a lot of problems with this book, too.
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Summary: A Life That is Both Touching and Inspiring...
Review: The life of Frank McCourt is a story that can leave an effect that still resides days after you read it. I thought the brilliant narration brought the story to life. I just love it!
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Summary: I can't remember when a book so touched my soul.
Review: From the moment I opened this book I was mesmerized by it's honesty and beauty. I found myself crying AND laughing. What a childhood! What courage! I hope Frank Mc Court has another 100 books in him.
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Summary: Should be required reading for every spoiled American...
Review: This is a great, great book. The abuse, poverty, neglect, institutional stupidity, and plain old parental ineptitude that Frank McCourt cronicles should make all of us appreciate the riches we take for granted. Can't wait for 'Tis.
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Summary: I admire Frank McCourt!!!!!
Review: I came away from this book with great admiration for McCourt. He kept his family alive. How someone could keep such a sense of humor about the problems in his life?! I find this to be amazing. I laughed and sometimes even cried while reading this book. McCourt is one of my hero's.
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Summary: I cant wait for Tis
Review: Angela's Ashes is one of the two best books I have ever read in my life. My father and I read it together and we never stop talking about it. Frank does an excellent job of telling his story in the present tense and an even better job of remembering things that happened when he was very young. I cant remember anything that happened to me when I was three or four years old(Im sixteen now). When Frank was nineteen, he earned enough money to travel to America which was what he wanted to do. I cant wait to find out what happens in the sequel, Tis.
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Summary: What a wonderful book
Review: Yes I loved this book -- and have shared it with family and friends. I wish I had read it sooner. Don't listen to those who complain that the book is repetitious. Mr. McCourt is just giving us an honest account of what his chilhood was like. The fact that some events kept occurring (i.e. Dad drinking up all the money) had a continual impact on his life. Without being reminded of those events, we wouldn't be able to transport ourselves to his childhood - and wouldn't as a result have been able to understand what he went through. I too can't wait for 'Tis. I am looking forward to seeing how Mr. McCourt pulled himself up. I too am also grateful to him for writing this book. It gave me a deeper appreciation for my family and the fortunes I have had in my life.
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