Rating: 
Summary: My advise: read it!
Review: How do I envy this man who put down his life in words of such simplicity and beauty, while I can't even find the necessary words to formulate my humble opinion on this masterpiece. It's so tragic and yet so hilarious, and a work of art to put these two aspects toghether in one mesmerising book. I couln't believe that McCourt had never written a book in his whole life and I felt really sad after reading the last page, and the last word: T'is.
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Summary: The good, the bad and the ugly; mostly ugly!!!
Review: This could have been a fascinating story if the prose had been cleaned up a bit. Also when refencing family members in general and his mother in particular, Mr.McCourt was quite indelicate and defamatory in his discription of certain actions which should not have been included in the narrative. His own sins of the flesh were of no interest to me and he should feel shame and dishonor for disclosing them to the world. I am aware of the poverty during the depression and I had known many Irish American families during that trying time having become buddies with their sons and I can definitely say,no matter their poverty, personal hygien, in so far as the times and circumstances would allow, was never wanting. Mr. McCourt should have been more circumspect. He will make millions from this book but he should also feel quite uneasy!!
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Summary: Truly a wonderful and compelling read!
Review: I bought Angela's Ashes on a whim, wasn't quite sure if I would find it too disturbing, since I have young children myself. After the first few pages I could not put the book down! Reading some of the recent reviews, I found it hard to understand why some found the book boring and drawn out. This memoir was written through the eyes of a child, as he was growing up. During the book, I found myself seeing the horrific conditions through the eyes of a child; although knowing that there was pain, suffering, and poverty, he accepted it because he did not know a different kind of life. As he grew older, the frailties of the adults around him, and the beliefs of the Church and his environment began to become evident to him. In spite of all his misfortune and disadvantaged childhood, he managed to survive and succeed in accomplishing his dream to be different and live in America. I would recommend this book to everyone - especially parents; as it truly make you realize the impact of your behavior on the future of our children!
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Summary: Love and tenaciousness override the poverty.
Review: Love and tenaciousness override the poverty that colors this book's details, making this a true memoir and proving that a strong-spirited human being can maneuver his/her way through the messes and mazes. Did Angela give up? Frank didn't. We may not like or agree with the details of some of his actions, but he set his goal, worked toward it for years, and finally got to America. Rising from the ashes of Angela's struggles, and helped by the love his parents truly had for their children (despite their emotional weaknesses and addictions), Frank learned to persevere, no matter how cruel his bullies or how hard his lessons. I believe that the author fairly balanced the good with the bad. Some examples: the stench of the common latrine vs. the sweetness of eating apples in the country; the kind, understanding R.C. confessors who truly reflected God's love vs. the worldly R.C. orders who, with prejudice, refused to mix with the poor, etc. The contrasts made the book easily readable and universally appealing. It was painful and funny, full of the worst and best of people, the way anyone's life can be. Little Frankie was a hopeful optimist, with self-esteem that seems unreal. He is a real study in how heredity and environment affect human development, and yet he provides no conclusive answers as to how others in his situation can be "saved". He just is! I learned some things, I was inspired, I was saddened, and I was angry, as I read about 30 pages each night before going to sleep. I am still "talking" to the characters, yelling at them, comforting them, and cheering them on!
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Summary: Angela's Ashes: A Classic...review by Tricia Marrapodi
Review: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt is literary brillance. Born in depression-era Brooklyn and raised in Limerick, McCourt is able to tell of his trials and tribulations with a keen sense of humor and a writing style that allows the reader to be right at his side. This is not only a timeless classic, but one that will make the reader truly appreciate their blessings. Tricia Marrapodi University of Arizona, M.A. Education
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Summary: The real world
Review: The author make me see how good is my life, and touch my heart in a really deep way. After reading this book I start to think about all the kids that simply need a little of spiritual and phisical food to be like us. Thanks to the author and God. EXCELLENT BOOK.
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Summary: One more book about drunk Irishmen. I'm tired of stereotypes
Review: There's nothing wrong with a good pint, so why is Frankie's father portrayed as such a bad guy?!? Cheers!
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Summary: This book is "thee" best oul' book I read EVER!!
Review: This book really fascinated me, it's intriguing and tells the real life of poor oul' Frankie McCourt and the hardships that come with alcholism, poverty, and family love. One aspect I wish is Frank McCourt would write a new book on how he survived in America and how he became this fascinating writer. Did he ever go back???? Wow, good book. Kerri
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Summary: Angela's Ashes is a saga of survival of the innocent..
Review: If writing is the art of manipulating the readers emotions then Frank McCourt has done a superb job in Angela's Ashes. The book had me crying and rolling with laughter - on the same page!! Nothing in my serene contemporary life has prepared me for the stark drama of this Irish family. However, the fact of not just survival but lives of excellence give credence to the theory that love conquers all. Any childhood spent in the throes of the helpless poverty of the McCourt family will either breed a contempt for civilized existence or a strong commitment for change. Angela and Frank made the difference - molding the strengths of their children into a determination to live, to love and help one another. Angela's Ashes is a lovely book - a great book altogether. Tis
Rating:
Summary: delightful, sad, endearing--the titantic of books
Review: One of the most delightful but sad stories I've read in a long time. Writing style is unique.
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