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Summary: Stunned that this a book of the 20th Century
Review: I kept having to remind myself, again and again, that the events recounted occurred during the 1930/40's and not a century earlier during the Famine. Very powerful; I read "Angela's Ashes" in one sitting as I could not be distracted from the story.
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Summary: It masterfully chronicles an Irish family's life of poverty.
Review: Because I was "raised Irish," had a grandfather who was born in Ireland, and have myself visited the homeland, I would like to pitch in my two cents worth and add, with some reservation, to the chorus of acclaim for this little masterpiece. Angela's Ashes is an extremely well-crafted work of literature; it is an artistic interpretation of life; it has the permanent power to rouse profound emotions. That and more! Frank Mc Court has manipulated the range and depth of the reader's emotions from joy to abject sorrow so skillfully that one is sometimes driven to laugh and weep almost simultaneously. In the words of Lincoln Steffans ("A Miserable Merry Christmas") describing a similar experience, 'It covered the whole distance from broken-hearted misery to bursting happiness -- too fast. A grownup could hardly have stood it!' McCourt's characterization of his complex father is suberb; from this flawed man he received his greatest gifts. The book is rich in comic exaggeration, which is an ingredient of his artistry. I take issue, however, with his shabby treatment of the Catholic Church which borders on the sacrilegious. Further, his revealing the degradation of his long-suffering mother is neither necessary nor honorable, however the artistic merit. It is, rather, an injustice and a shameful exploitation.
Frank McCourt: Which of your special, unique brothers would you have eliminated to insure a better quality of life for the remainder? Which would the reader wish had never been conceived? I myself rejoice in the gift of each, and mourn the untimely death of the twins and the infant sister, longing for the unfilled promise of their lives. All life is precious and the human spirit prevails even in the face of abject poverty and perverse sinfulness, a theme which McCourt so skillfully illustrates.
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Summary: Angela's Ashes was heart warming
Review: I must say this was the best book that I have read in a very long time. I picked up Frank McCourts book not knowing anything about it just that it took place in Limerick, Ireland where parts of my Family is from. I loved this book I could understand why my family made its way to America and leaving Ireland behind. I laughed and I cried as many others had and thank Frank McCourt for making me realize how special family is.
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Summary: A harrowing, moving and historically educational book
Review: As a native Irish person I can only describe Angela's Ashes as the most moving book I have read in the last ten years. I feel that Frank McCourt has given me an education in an important part of twentieth century Irish history in the most effective way possible, through his personal experience of "a poor catholic childhood in Limerick". It is a lesson to us all that the poverty and disease suffered by the McCourt family in Limerick were not merely caused by the drinking of Malachy but also by heartless government officials. The strenth of the book is the upbeat style of Frank McCourt. As each incident of suffering is recounted by him as a small boy, his reaction is that of surprise and almost acceptance rather then anger and indignace. The way in which Angela McCourt strives to preserve her dignity at all times is heartwarming. We can never despise the irresponsible actions of Malachy McCourt at any point in the book. Also noteworthy, is the way Frank McCourt portrays the influence of the Catholic Church. On the one hand providing guidence and education, and on the other hand, instilling ignorance and fear into a young boy.
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Summary: Truly deserving of the Pulitzer Prize
Review: Many factors contribute to the excellence of this book. McCourt's writing style is so creative and entertaining that I've never read anything like it. Although I am not a big reader, I could not put this book down, and I've read it twice. McCourt tells the story of his "mierable Irish Catholic childhood" through the very eyes of a child. He speaks as a child, and this invites the reader to really "feel" compassion for the author. I found it fascinating that while I read the book, I laughed while I cried. I suppose that's the effect you receive from a true Irish story teller. This book teaches about life, love, struggles, and the overcoming of struggles. It was truly an inspiration to me. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
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Summary: Frankie Speaks
Review: I read Mr. McCourt's work as he sat there speaking it to me - ever so patiently, without fuss, nor concern of my schenannigans as he took me through his young life in New York and Limmerick. God, I was enthralled to hear more and more with each tape (11 in all; the unabridged version is the only way to spend his time). I find that visual comprehension is not the same as auditory comprehension. What held my attention so rapturously was Mr. McCourt's youthful vigor, his insatiable bent on being a child to know. This kept my intent, my focus, my interest, my eye clear and took me by the hand as he walked me through his life as a mere child. His beauty in not knowing the bigger picture of life but feeling "doomed" was the same expectations I had felt for fear I also had done the inadmissable wrong. We are beyond comparisons in livelihoods; however, Mr. McCourt presents life through innocence, through detailed settings that take you on his journey because you want to "go" along and learn with young Frankie as he does too. Having no idea what this story was about, I took the chance it might be good. The library had a waiting list a mile long for the book, 'but only two people have the tape on hold.' No, I declined, I hate reading abridged versions of books. Well, the librarian said, it's 11 cassettes and that would probably signify unabridged. I requested a copy when it was available. I have never enjoyed such beauty in crafting a story as Mr. McCourt's efforts have proved: methodical, simple, grabbing glimpses of adults, institutions, the lanes, kids - older and younger - jobs and the hunger to get one, the fine print taste of hunger, the beauty of his mother and father, the laughter of his brothers. All done as if it were the next thing young Frankie would have done on his way to the fields, following his father's love for walks. Although the aftermath of reviews runs Mr. Malachy McCourt, Sr. through the mud as a low life, a no good, I saw much beauty in this man. A man with imagination, lots of pride, stubborness, love of words and creativity. A man caught in the likes of life as young Francis himself when he stepped off the boat in Poughkepsie, not knowing how to fill out his life's new surroundings after having met up with the drink and the excitement. Mr. McCourt, Sr. was found anew in young Francis - but like so many children, in all walks, Frank longed to feel secure in his father's admiration of him. Frank McCourt's efforts to put his young life's story into print proved to be a great find. And no, it was not blather. He brought even more to us in the arduous task of putting his story on tape. A beauty to treasure, Angela's Ashes is the story of our youth, past and today. What do you hear?
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating.
Review: As a non-Catholic middle class American of approximately the same age as McCourt who has never been to Ireland, I was fascinated at a glimpse of a world (thankfully) far removed from mine. Although I appreciated the poetry of McCourt's words, I was more fascinated from an anthropologic point of view. I was appalled at the beliefs perpetrated on young, impressionable Catholics in Ireland -- does it still exist today? -- and can understand a bit better the prejudice leading to the endless fighting between Protestants and Catholics in that sad country. It was a hard book for me to read; I could only take it in small doses. Although the humor was there, the grim poverty overpowered that for me. I think McCourt must be a very special person to have overcome such beginnings and I admire him greatly. He is obviously a joyful person. And I loved the way the book ended. Only one question: why the title?
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Summary: THE MOST AMAZING BOOK THAT I HAVE EVER READ!
Review: FRANK McCOURT'S STORY IS THE KIND THAT HAD TO BE TOLD AND I - ALONG WITH MANY OTHER READERS - AM VERY THANKFUL THAT HE CHOSE TO DO SO. FROM THE BEGINNING OF HIS ELOQUENTLY DESCRIPTIVE NARRATIVE I FOUND MYSELF ENTHRALLED. AS I READ ON ABOUT FRANK AND HIS POVERTY STRICKEN FAMILY I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS BOY WOULD EVER FIND HIS WAY THROUGH IT ALL, THAT HE WOULD EVER SEE MANHOOD. THROUGH EACH PAGE I FOUND MYSELF TRANSPORTED TO A LIFE OF HARDSHIP IN NEW YORK TO UNSPEAKABLE SHAME, CRUELTY AND ENORMOUS SUFFERING IN THE SLUMS OF IRELAND. I TRULY FELT AS THOUGH I WAS THERE WITH HIM. SEEING IT, HEARING IT, TASTING IT, SMELLING IT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - FEELING IT. MR. McCOURT'S WONDERFULLY DESCRIPTIVE WRITING HELD ME IN RAPT ATTENTION THROUGHOUT. AS DIFFICULT AS IT WAS TO READ AT TIMES, I ALSO FOUND THAT I DID NOT WANT THE BOOK TO END. WHAT A JOURNEY! WHENEVER I FOUND MYSELF WITH TEARS WELLING IN MY EYES, THE VERY NEXT SENTENCE WOULD HAVE ME BURSTING WITH LAUGHTER WHICH JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT DESPITE EVERYTHING, MR. McCOURT STILL FOUND THE HILARITY JUST WHEN HE NEEDED IT MOST. AT THE END OF THE BOOK, WITH MR. McCOURT STANDING ON THE BOW OF THE SHIP WHICH FINALLY BROUGHT HIM BACK TO AMERICA AT THE AGE OF 19 I FOUND MYSELF WANTING TO BE THERE TOO. TO BE THERE FOR HIM - AND COOK HIM UP A BIG PLATE OF MASHED POTATOES AND SOFTBOILED EGGS - BOTH SLATHERED IN SALT AND BUTTER - ALONG WITH ALL THE LEMONADE HE COULD EVER HOPE FOR! MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAYS MR. McCOURT, AND FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, I THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR LIFE. I NOW WAIT WITH RABID ANTICIPATION FOR THE CONTINUING CHAPTERS IN YOUR REMARKABLE STORY.
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Summary: I can't get enough of this book!
Review: I've never read a book which touched my heart so deeply. I bought the tapes first, listened twice, then bought the book, read it once, and now I am starting on the tapes again. This book just fulfills something in me. I tell people that if you have ever felt sorry for yourself for even one minute, you need to read this book.
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Summary: Best listening experience in years!
Review: Frank McCourt's reading of his book Angela's Ashes has been one of the best listening experiences I have had in recent years. I laughed, I cried, I felt ill; all while I was driving from part of the city to another. Poverty as seen through the eyes of a child is heartbreaking, but humorous as well. Highly recommend the unabridged version as every minute is fascinating as well as entertaining.
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