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Summary: A vivid description of Irish childhood
Review: Having grown up Irish-Catholic, Angela's Ashes made me laugh and cry, every other page! Descriptions of childhood in Limerick reminded me of conversations with my grandfather. That McCourt could write from the perspective of a 6 year-old boy amazed me. I want to know how he did it!
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Summary: Glad that I finally read this book--couldn't put it down.
Review: For some reason, I resisted buying this book--it looked depressing. However, when it finally came out in paperback, I decided to read it. I couldn't put it down. I hope everyone who reads it understands how it feels to be a child in want. I couldn't put the book down--I alternated between laughing and crying.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: After having heard so much about the book, I was disappointed when I read it. Although I empathize with the characters, I did not feel that the writing in a literary sense was anything remarkable - I am surprised it won the Pulitzer! I felt sorry for the suffering of the author and the family but having grown up in a third-world country in Asia, I could not help but think of countless similar children and families who experience the same suffering but have not even a hope or dream of ever being able to go to America to improve their lot in life. A tolerable book but too much hype.
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Summary: Five Stars are not enough for this perfect book....
Review: Style: Original, fresh, fluent Story: Honest, gripping, tragic, dramatic, joyous Mood: Soft, strong, innocent and acceptingA brilliant masterpiece. A Pulitzer Prize Winner. A book that is sure to go down in history as one of the best classics every written.
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Summary: The best book I have ever read, deserving of its Pulitzer!
Review: With unabashed tenderness, innocence and intrigue, McCourt recounts his frightening and sad childhood with accidental humor and without ever once complaining. What should be a thoroughly depressing subject, is almost enlightening because of the child's view point, the stark honesty, the gifted, casual writing style that makes this book so incredibly enjoyable and easy to read. I simply couldn't put it down. I have urged everyone in my life to read it ASAP, and those who have so far, have sent emotional e-mails or called with a sniffle in their voices to say "thank you so much for insisting that I read this"
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Summary: Loved it!
Review: Touching. I know it sounds trite, but this book made me appreciate how lucky I really am. On literary style, I am an eclectic reader, but tend to judge biographies by how closely they approximate fiction in terms of plot and character development. Angela's Ashes definitely passed the test -- it read like a well-developed novel. Also, I sensed that McCourt tried to distance himself somewhat from his own feelings about his family members to present a less partial view, though he was not always successful in this regard. I am definitely looking forward to his next work.
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Summary: I always carry a copy of this book with me.
Review: When I first saw this book, I wanted to read it. I was convinced that I would read it once it either came out in paperback, or my public library had it in. Neither has happened yet, so I'm glad I spent my twenty-dollars on the copy that I carry with me everywhere. The pages are stained with spaghetti sauce. The corners are starting to curl, and the jacket is tattered. It looks like this book has been kicked around in someone's basement for twenty years. I read it whenever I need a reason to smile or a reason to cry. It seems to capture every human emotion.
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Summary: A Brilliant Paradox!
Review: "Angela's Ashes" is a paradox. It is both sweet and pungent. One sees the utter resignation to poverty in some characters and the absolute tenacity of the human spirit in others. The story is depressing and heart wrenchingly sad one minute and achingly funny the next. My husband is from Limerick and many at home felt the book painted the people of Limerick with a very black brush. However, I would remind the readers that the same story was probably played out in any number of depressed areas in the 20's and 30's and in fact, is probably repeating itself today in other parts of the world. It is not the content and setting which make this a delightful read, it is the style in which the story is told that makes it unique.
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Summary: I was disappointed in ANGELA'S ASHES!
Review: Having seen and heard Frank and Malachy McCourt on talk shows, I was anxious but trepeditious upon picking up this novel (memoir). Trepeditious because both of them seemed like con men to me. I think this is a whining, complaining, self seeking journey with an ending which bespeaks the true character of McCourt and his family, get-what-you-can, get laid, and get to America. My own Irish ancestors on my mother's side were just as poor, had just as much sickness, has their share of drunks, and their own personal tragedies. Did they resort to knocking Ireland, knocking the Catholic Church, making fun of native customs? No, their faith was a bedrock upon which their lives rested, their humor was directed toward themselves, not others, and their poverty was overcome by honest means--not by stealing. This book may have been on the New York Times best seller list for eternity. It was a waste of my time. McCourt has a lyrical Irish voice. Too bad it couldn't have been put to better use.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, could not put it down
Review: Just a big thank you to Mr. Mc Court for sharing his story. All I can say is read it.
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