Angelas Ashes Cd

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Summary: WORTH IT!
Review: OK, usually I'm too poor to buy hardbacks, but this was an excellent investment. I won't rehash all the same compliments posted by others, but I must say one thing about this book: the biggest complaint people have about it is that McCourt's life was too poverty-stricken/ depressing/ repetitive /whatever. LOOK. This isn't some kitschy happy-ending novel. It's a PERSON'S TRUE LIFE STORY. If you wanted an exciting, glamorous life, go read some dumb Danielle Steel. McCourt spent 20 years living the life portrayed in this book. If you want to enjoy it for what it is, the mere hours you will spend entwined in his story will put a lump in your throat, but it is probably nothing compared to what McCourt went through in his own mind putting it on paper. The amazing thing is that it makes you laugh, and makes you think as well. Congratulations go out to him on such a perfectly told story of stories... believable from the childlike voice on the first page

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Summary: McCourt's writing is like sweets that can be heard.
Review: I loved this book and it was particularly special in that I seemed to almost HEAR it; what a delightful, amusing, heart-rending experience. If I had to criticize, I would say that McCourt (as is the case with so many writers) lost the pace at the end of the book, or maybe did not know how to wrap up a story that had so much more to tell. Contrary to some comments I read here, I believe that the Church often failed McCourt (as do all institutions run by man) but it is the faith from that church that ultimately sustained the family through unthinkable hardship

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Summary: Best book I've read in years.
Review: Ach! 'Tis a wonderful book you'll be readin' with all the wrenching of the heart and the joy of the spirit

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Summary: Brilliant, Evocative, Poignant
Review: I resisted this book at first but soon was totally captivated by it. I think what I liked best was the fact that it is language, literacy and literature that rescues Frank from this abject poverty. I read it while preparing for an imminent trip to Ireland, and right on the heels of reading How the Irish Saved Civilization, so I feel steeped in Irish lore and life. For anyone who has turned to literature in order to deal with a life less than ideal, this book is a marvelous revelation

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Summary: Misery and humor in lyric prose
Review: Simply, wonderfully, lyrically well-written. Eminently readable. I'll take McCourt over Joyce any day. As for those who complain about the undercurrent of seemingly endless misery that runs throughout the book: If you don't see the humor in "Angela's Ashes" as well as the sorrow, you're missing the point. Highly deserving of the Pulitzer.

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Summary: Liked it, very moving.
Review: When I first started reading about Frank's life in Ireland I really didn't want to hear about his hardships and days of hunger. But when I began to realize that he never complained, never lashed back on those who were never there for him, I began to learn what an extra ordinary little boy (person) he really truly is. What a gift he has for telling a story of his childhood, the days of filth, the sickness, the deaths of his little siblings, and his father - an alcoholic. This book is about a real person living a life so unreal with so many hardships I truly believe its a miracle that he could survive. But the human heart does overcome such horrific hardships especially when the heart is small. I really thought the author deserved a Pulitzer! Frank McCourt was a guest on the Rosie O'Donnell show a couple of months back and I took her advise and read it. I am glad I did. I will be waiting for the sequel

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Summary: It's pretty surprising...that he survived
Review: It was somewhat difficult to read, this is the "crushing proverty" people talk about - just awful. Having grown up in an alcoholic home I could certainly understand the insanity, but was continually surprised at how the Father could be actually kind and equally surprised that the Mother didn't rage against him and they at each other all the time! Interesting. Sure doesn't make one a great fan of the "church". They were a big help...not

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Summary: My book club didn't seem to enjoy it, but I loved it.
Review: Most of the women in my book club just couldn't see beyond the details of the poverty to the love and the humor underneath. I think it is hard for some people to experience the great poverty in this book, and their pain prevents them from experiencing the great love, humor and irony that is present in this book. I personally found that it read like poetry, but I was amazed that many did not see that. It seems that some people were almost angry to have to read about someone else's poverty. It made them uncomfortable, especially given their own level of riches. I found it funny that they spent much of the time criticizing Angela for not properly caring for her children... as if we all would be so much better at handling it. Observing other peoples reactions to the book were almost as fascinating as the book itself

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Summary: A genuine tale of poverty with no malice.
Review: I was relieved to see that Frank McCourt could tell such an incredible story of hardship and neglect with no malice toward the hypocrites that raised and taught him. I also felt very aware of everything I eat on a daily basis. I'm anxious for the sequel

Rating:
Summary: Rising From The Ashes
Review: I enjoyed the book. It's good to look to the pit you come from. How else can you appreciate what you have? Those who criticize this book, must walk the muddy road of poverty, barefoot, to understand. Yes, he had a snotty nose and an empty belly, everyday... that's what poverty's like. To survive the monotony of such dire straits, is true victory. I've been there... I've tasted it... Jeff Read, Seattle, WA