Rating: 
Summary: A Fabulous read!!
Review: I hindered my reading of Angela's ashes as I genrally enjoy books I relate well too. As I have never Had to deal with alcoholism around me, have never been to Ireland and am an only child, I felt this was going to be one impossible for me to relate too. I was wrong. I found that in enjoying this novel, i did not have to have been through the experiences he did, nor seen poverty so clearly. At no point did Frank want symapathy, he just told a harrowing and sad tale in a humorous and excellent way. He produced a beautiful novel from what was a shocking situation.
Rating:
Summary: BRILLIANT...............
Review: Angela's Ashes is the best book I have ever read. In every chapter I laughed, cried, smiled, felt physically sick, I felt every emotion possible. This is the only book that I have got to the last page and started it again, and its even better the second time around. I have recommended this book to everyone I know and no-one has been disappointed in it. BRILLIANT. But Frank, what happened when you got to America, and what happened to the other McCourts......another book I hope.
Rating:
Summary: Sad, almost tragic, yet refreshingly devoid of blame
Review: McCourt's story, though not new, is unique and poignant in its own telling and refreshingly devoid of the blame or finger-pointing so prevalent in our society.Anais Nin once wrote that people represent worlds in us waiting to be discovered. Frank McCourt represents a world in us most have forgotten but re-discover through "Angela's Ashes": CHILDHOOD -- with all it's complexities of innocence, cruelty, love and everything in between. Through "Angela's Ashes" we are given the opportunity to see through a child's eyes when life was full and new and sunny and sometimes not so sweet. The lanes of Limerick, the deadly waters of the Shannon, and the stench of the drink that permeates the city air are filled with an oppressing desperation and shame. With the wisdom only a child can have, McCourt shows us of the promise of laughter and hope and dreams.
Rating:
Summary: An astonishingly told story.
Review: Normally, I regard autobiographies with a certain amount of scepticism. However, this one won me over from its first line. The author's viewpoint and memory is so generous, warm-hearted and tolerant that it made this memoir of a truly terrible early life not only bearable but uplifting. At times, it was only the knowledge that he had survived, plus the dedication to his brothers which reassured me that they too had survived, that kept me going. I do hope Frank McCourt writes a sequel. I was desperate to know what happened to all his family left alive at the end of this book - especially his mother and his feckless, infuriating, wonderful father. I felt so sorry for him at times, knowing you've only got yourself to blame is a pretty uncomfortable place to be. Frank McCourt's book is a testament to the power of the human spirit to endure the unendurable and, with intelligence and humour, make it into something wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Deeply Moving
Review: One of the most extraordinary books I have read. McCourt tells a sad story but yet a beautiful one through his courage and faith as a young boy. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Painful, comical, AMAZING
Review: Mr McCourts command of voice from that of an infant child and on is truly amazing. You grow up with him and see things from different points of view-at different ages. Just as this book was breaking my heart, I found myself laughing out loud. I understand that the pain of these memories did not allow Mr McCourt to write this book earlier in his life-but I am happy that he finally chose to do it once and for all! A masterpiece! But then is that not true of all our lives?
Rating:
Summary: Utterly amazing and heartbreaking
Review: Frank McCourt's account of his childhood was written in such a wonderful style. He wasn't just telling you about his memories, he was reliving them from his 5 year old mind. He made me want to give him a huge hug and tell him everything was going to be okay. I don't think I have ever been so touched by a book. I would recommend this book to complete strangers!
Rating:
Summary: Human existence in Ireland at its best and its worst!
Review: Frank McCourt shows us humanity at its best and its worst in his wonderful memoir "Angela's Ashes". The author vividly describes growing up in Ireland during a time when the country was still adjusting to the division of the island after the Republic received its independence--and we see the children promising to fight for Ireland's freedom. It shows us how children see life--not through rose colored glasses; these children see the good, the bad and the ugly in the lanes of Limerick. The book pulls at your heart-strings--making you want to rescue the youngsters; wanting to punish their father for squandering what little they had; and wanting to soothe the pain suffered by Angela as she tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy within the family. A wonderful book that runs the gamut of emotions from desperation to ecstasy---and truly a gem!
Rating:
Summary: In one word: BRILLIANT
Review: It's ultimately thrilling to read. An insightful, moving, humorous account of the early life of an Irish boy. It's beautifully written even in the parts where the subject matter is not-so-beautiful.This is the type of book you'd buy a copy for your boyfriend, your mom, your boss... but keep a copy for yourself to read and reread.
Rating:
Summary: Heartbreaking, but beautifully written.
Review: It has been a while since I read it, but I am still haunted by the utter poverty and lack of warmth of Court's childhood. Even his grandparents were mean!! As a teacher, I was happy to see that Frank grew up to teach, to entertain, and to be a successful writer. Lovely revenge over all those who were so cruel to him. I recommend this book to everyone.
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