Rating: Summary: Tear and laughter flowing from the same fountain. Review: When I first heard about this book, I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. Then I bought the book and read it and understood. In life there isn't much difference between tragedy and comedy. The two outlooks come from the same source, the difference is that one offers some hope and the other doesn't believe there is any hope left to offer. Tears and laughter flowing from the same fountain.ANGELA'S ASHES is like that. What the McCourt family suffered through was severely depressing (though most of the world was suffering just as much too) and reading about their trials makes one realize how lucky we are. One feels a deep sympathy for Frank and his family (except perhaps for his father). Yet, the story is told in such a way that it makes one laugh rather than cry. McCourt is honest and forthright and though I was disappointed (rather than amused) at many of his exploits, his story gripped me nonetheless. This book more than deserved the Pulitzer it won, but should you read it bring a hanky just in case laughing is too difficult.
Rating: Summary: Frank McCourt Should Be Ashamed of Himself! Review: It has been a while since I read Angela's Ashes, but I still recall my rage at the way McCourt portrays life in Ireland during the depression. Did he think his life was so different from anyone else's in that terrible time? The Depression went around the world, and most of us did the best we could with it. My wonderfully Irish parents did their best here in America, and we kids survived and became useful citizens. McCourt had an alcoholic father -- that was reprehensible, but he also was a nasty little brat. In my opinion, Angela's Ashes is a book of self-pity, self-obsession, and self-interest. As a woman of Irish descent, I'm ashamed of a fellow Celt who could pewl and groan the way Frank McCourt does in this book. He ought to be ashamed of himself. The Irish people have fought the Brits for 800 years and haven't moaned and groaned. McCourt happens to be living during a world-wide depression, and he falls apart. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I'm Irish and proud of it; Angela's Ashes is a disgrace to anyone who has Irish blood in them.
Rating: Summary: A Touching Novel Review: This book is fantastic. It was recommended to my class by my British Lit teacher. It led you through the hardships faced by immigrants coming to America. The McCourts have to struggle to make ends meet, especially when drinking is such a predominant expenditure. It gives great hope to immigrants as Frank was able to achieve the American Dream.
Rating: Summary: Loved it!!! Review: I see a lot of the reviews use the words sad or depressing to describe this novel. I wanted to let everyone know that you smile or laugh a lot as well. Yes, Frank had a VERY hard childhood, but some of his memories are precious and wonderful. Frank, as only a child can, was able to enjoy little moments in his life even during the worst of times. I would like to add; the people that are upset because readers might believe that all of Ireland was like Limerick should realize that we are not ignorant. This novel describes certain classes in a certain city on certain lanes. I never read in this book that Mr. McCourt was describing all of Ireland.
Rating: Summary: Awesome Movie Review: This book is humorous and sad at the same time. Oh and watch the movie too...it's really good.
Rating: Summary: The Perfect 5 out of 5 Book! Review: If you want a story to melt your heart, if you want a story you can warm up to, then Angela Ashes is your book. It has sadness, happiness, and it is thrilling. I warn you though if you don't want to cry or if you don't want to sleep in mystery of what will happen next, then don't read this book. I think this book is fabulous and I have read many books, so I know what I am talking about. -Brittany Wallace
Rating: Summary: I Kissed the Blarney Stone Review: It's been said that the English made the Irish speak English and the Irish taught the English how to write it. McCourt continues this gift for sure. In fact he stretches the reader's belief in some of his tales, especially in the stories about Theresa Carmody and Mrs Finucane. Sad to say, at the end, Mccourt has not been able to overcome his bitterness.
Rating: Summary: A memorable Memoir Review: This is in my opinion the best book ever. It sows the true essence of poverty in the home of Irish-Catholics. Frank McCourt has outdone himself beyond the beyonds. This book has deeply touched me and is the only memoir i have ever read that i can actually say i won't forget. I recommend this book only if you can handle depression. It made me cry quite a few times, and if you can't handle that, then i don't recommend this book. I Commend Frank McCourt for his WONDEFUL addition to my home library.
Rating: Summary: A stunning memoir Review: In the highly acclaimed "Angela's Ashes," Frank McCourt tells the story of his heartbreaking childhood and how he struggled to survive and dig himself out from under his circumstances. If you have not read this or "'Tis," I recommend that you do so immediately.
Rating: Summary: a fascinating memoir Review: this memoir winner of the pulitizer prize for fiction is a fictionalized account of the life of frank mccourt and his family from his birth and early years in NYC to the times when his family moved back to limerick in southern ireland ,and the grinding poverty and grim surroundings that mccourt and his brothers and sisters had to endure ,from his fathers difficulty in finding a job because of the fact of his coming from northern ireland and also when he had a job he would drink his wages before he went home ,in turns heartbreaking and laugh out loud it mines a vivid picture of life in the 30's and 40's in ireland and new york city the only thing that would spoil your enjoyment would be the knowledge of the fact that is this is part FICTION and it would be interesting to know how much is truth and how much has been a product of mccourts imagination.
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