Rating: 
Summary: A confusing, although redeemable, realistic story
Review: A glimpse into the lives of people all of us have probably met, especially vivid if you grew up during the time and in the locale in which CHARMING BILLY takes place. Whether or not you agree with their decisions, characters like Billy, Dennis and Eva do exist, however pathetic, paternalistic, and selfish they may (respectively) appear. Aside from a few confusing instances when the narration compels you to flip back to check about what exactly is being discussed, McDermott's lyrical prose flows. On the surface BILLY is a simple story, especially because most of the tragic events are revealed early. Only after you have finished the book and stepped back to reflect do you appreciate the value of its messages. This is proof of the author's style in that she successfully maintains her reader's interest.
Rating: 
Summary: OUTSTANDING WRITING AND PLOT DEVELOPMENT!
Review: HAVING GROWN UP IN NYC IN THE 50'S AND 60'S, I FOUND THE BOOK TO BE AN ACCURATE CAPTURE OF THE EMOTIONAL DECEIT ENUCIATED IN THE BOOK. THE WRITING IS DELIGHFUL. I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. I WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNED BY THE NUMBER OF NEGATIVE REVIEWS. THE BOOK IS AN EXCELLENT READ. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT!
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully executed.
Review: The writing here is truly remarkable. The reader is carried along effortlessly on the gorgeous detail (both emotional and physical). I was awed by Alice McDermott's skill. The detail helps the reader see that even the most "incurable" drunk is more than he appears to be. That each of us, no matter how degraded, has a story to tell. Even the man laying drunk on the street, may indeed have been charming, may indeed have been loved. This is the best book I have read in a long, long time.
Rating: 
Summary: Zzzzzzzzzzzzz......
Review: I have 3 things to say about this book: 1. DITTO the comments of John Sollami (Stamford, CT); No Charm in Billy. 2. Shouldn't the National Book Award mean something? 3. Can't we have the option of a NO STAR rating? I think this book would qualify.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring
Review: This book was very well written. It captured the mediocrity of a middle class, Irish-American family perfectly. The problem I had with it was that I never felt any emotion towards the characters. They were all mundane as was their life story.
Rating:
Summary: Well written characters came alive to me
Review: This felt like a long short story - I read the whole thing on a plane. It made me laugh and cry, the characters were interesting and I cared about them. The action takes place over roughly 24 hours - you learn about Billy's life through the eyes of those who knew him. What a refreshing way to tell a story.
Rating: 
Summary: I found this book very disappointing.
Review: I found myself bored and annoyed with this book. Billy was anything but charming. He was a self-centered and self-absorbed alcoholic. The characters were all one-dimensional. I had a difficult time empathizing with any of them. I would have liked to know more about Billy and Mauve's relationship, more about what Billy thought and felt. The non-linear time frame, in my opinion, did not enhance the story, it made it more difficult to follow. All in all, this book did not resonate with me.
Rating:
Summary: A beautifully written book about dreams, love, and loss
Review: I was astonished by the number of negative reader reviews. The extraordinary first chapter at the funeral dinner was worth the price of the book itself. The characters of Maeve, Dennis, Daniel, Rose and Billy were all so beautifully drawn and so believable that for me, they came alive. The book was a compelling tale illustrating the consequences of one's actions, however well intended and the personal toll of just settling. It also illustrated how difficult it is to accept what was once so acceptable (ie Queens versus the East End, a neighborhood girl versus Eva)once you have been exposed to what is beyond what you have. I have read and enjoyed all of Alice McDermott's books but to see her development into one of the finest contemporary novelists is truly a joy.
Rating:
Summary: Touching, well written story, captures a moment in time
Review: Of the many books that I have read in my life, this book captures perfectly the essence of the Irish community of the 1950's.
Rating:
Summary: Irish reminiscences
Review: After reading many comments, I am wondering if you have to be an Irish American New Yorker to appreciate this book. Yes, I was confused at times, but either looked back, as I often do, or went on, and then I saw what the author was getting to. I found this book heartwarming to the end, where Dennis and Maevis, two people who have lost something in their lives, come together. I was so happy for them. Having spent much of my early childhood in NY, I connect with many of the characters and places used here. There is much sadness, but it is real, and there is a happy ending, I think. I recommend it!
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