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Summary: My Very Favorite
Review: This was one of best books I have read in a long time. Our book club read it and there was a wealth of material to discuss. Runs the gambit of all our emotions! I am awaiting the next book!
Rating:
Summary: THIS IS A HELL OF A BOOK
Review: THIS IS A TOUCHING YET EXCITING NOVEL FULL OF TWISTS. THE BOOK JUST KEEPS PILING UP UNTIL THE MOMENT OF TRUTH ABOUT THE SIMPSONS IN THE END. ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ.
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Summary: Not just a great first novel...it's a great novel, period.
Review: I started reading this book because of the interesting title at a B&N store. I couldn't put it down after the first 2 pages and found myself standing at the checkout line ready to buy a book at full purchase price (which I normally don't do).The only disappointing thing with this novel is that it ends (as all novels must). Kowalski could have kept writing and I would have kept reading Eddie's story and family history until my eyes fell out of my head. It's that engrossing. It is a simultaneously personal and historical piece of writing, the likes which I have not seen in a long time. I eagerly anticipate Mr. Kowalski's next book.
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Summary: First Novel!
Review: It's difficult to believe as I read this story that it's a first novel for this author. The story is extremely well-crafted. It's a coming-of-age novel with a different twist. Everyone's idea of a disfunctional family is portrayed in the story, but it's not disfunctional. It works. The characters are warm and wonderful. I hope this author writes more books.
Rating: 
Summary: The past influences the present
Review: This book reminded me a lot of Fried Green Tomatoes, only from a Northern male perspective. Past family lives and family relationships continue to influence the life of a small-town kid. The story is vividly told and fascinating -- and can be read on either a superficially entertaining or a symbolic level. I'll look forward to reading more from Kowalski in the future, even though I don't read all that much realistic fiction these days.
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Summary: No silver spoon in this kid's mouth
Review: This is a wonderful story of a family that is far from what most would call normal, or even desirable, yet skillfully avoids the sense of depressing gloom that its subject matter could easily invoke. Billy Mann is raised by an alcoholic grandfather who is often too besotted to provide Billy with his basic physical needs yet who somehow manages to instill in him a rich appreciation of who he is and where he comes from. Kowalski often uses the name 'Mann' as a pun to point out that there is a little of Billy Mann in all of us. Hopefully, his first work is evidence of other great books to come.
Rating:
Summary: Five times three.
Review: I walked away with a copy of this book from Brooklyn in Feb. and read it on the Plane going back to Ireland in Feb 99 from Boston. I then re-read a copy I bought in Champaign Illinois with the American cover and consequently bought the European copy in Gatwick Airport, London recently. What a masterpiece!
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Summary: Don't Read The Chapter Titles
Review: A good story well told. I'm one of those that always seem to want to give half stars out. If three stars is an average good book, than this book deserves 3 1/2. But I'm going to round up to 4 stars this time (I usually round down -- not getting into this 5 star review for any good book). I don't like to know what will happen so I stopped reading the long, oldfashioned, descriptive chapter titles which gave away much of the surprise. Good book. If you like coming of age novels, try it. I found one thing strange. The main character mentions he has some guy friends but we never see them. He seems a little more lonly than the book admits.
Rating:
Summary: And we have another Winner.....
Review: I totally enjoyed this book and was not in the slightest bit disappointed. From Willie Mann to Grandpa, to Billy...every character helped to put this quilt together. Mr. Kowalski, I hope your working on another book. I wonder if Billy misses his fried bologna sandwiches?
Rating:
Summary: Absorbing, tender, and wholly believable.
Review: William Kowalski's mother gave me the book to read while I was recuperating from sugery. It took my mind completely away from my injuries and brought me completely into Billy's world. It was a world that was filled with both inner and outer adventure, pathos, and a loving spirit. I highly recommend it to everyone!
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