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Summary: An Honest and Objective Review ....
Review: My parents are first generation immigrants from Greece and lived a life very similar to, if not worse than, Frank McCourt's. Therefore, I am very accustomed to hearing stories of poverty, misery and starvation. I do, however, also hear stories about a simple, carefree and down-to-earth lifestyle that I can never even imagine having been born and raised in New York. My point is that noone's life is 100% miserable and McCourt's book is lacking and incomplete in this way. The bottom line is that although McCourt's life was a rather miserable one, his story is anything but unique. What sets McCourt apart from anyone else who was raised in similar conditions is the fact that he decided to write a book about it. His writing style is better than adequate, although slow at times. And, I must admit, it is rather impossible for a man his age to have such a flawless memory of his youth. Basically, I don't think McCourt meant to write a history book or a guide on Ireland and the Irish and therefore his writing should not be judged in this way. People seem to forget that THIS IS A MEMOIR. Therefore, it is subjective and it is the world as seen through the eyes of the writer. Admittedly, this is not Pulitzer Prize-worthy literature. But then again, what is nowadays? Simply put, this is a nice book to try. If you like it, finish it. If you don't, there's no need to attack the writer or the world.
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Summary: Heartwrenching Words That Enrapture and Capture
Review: After reading the first few chapters of this book, you will be tempted to abandon this exercise in emotional stabitlity. For it is not easy reading for those who are compassionate and prone to vivid imaginings. Once you start reading, however, you take on a mission. You need to see Frank through all his difficult times and assure yourself he will not succomb to such deprivation. You are at one with this child in his search to 'be' where he must first survive. This book is a wakeup call to the complacent who refuse to hear the 'silent needs' of the very young. It serves to remind us that all children, then and now, desperately need a sense of belonging and a source of security. It illustrates the ability of a boy to derive the simplest of joys in the weariest of circumstances. Final note: You will be less self-consumed as you reach the end of the text. You will probably set a box of tissues adside as preparation for the finale. This is not necessary. The ending is anti-climatic in contrast to the emotional echoes rendered within. "Angela's Ashes" is a book full of wonder and dismay. It is an experience not to be denied.
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Summary: Angela's Ashes-fabulous writing
Review: I loved Angela's Ashes and I recommended it to my husband who is reading it on a long plane ride. He just called and said that he likes it a lot too. It's a great book, wonderfully written, and reading it makes one very greatful for all one has. Greatful for all the food in the cupboard and the warm home to live in. Sorry that there is such a thing as alcoholism. But greatful that such hardships can produce a man who grew up to have a sense of humor and the intelligence and motivation to write a beautiful book about it...Highly recommended...HJK
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Summary: Wonderfully Wrought Memoir
Review: I read this just to see what all the fuss was about; I am generally not a fan of directly autobiographical material. This book absorbed me very quickly and would not let me go until I finished... and now I can't wait to get the sequal. McCourt tells his life beautifully, using a child's-point-of-view style of narrative that his honest, cute, and humorous. He brings all the characters around him to life and gives them enough personality to make you feel like you know then; and perhaps you do in the carnation of a friend or relative of your own. Insightful of his own past, without letting a trace of his future voice enter, McCourt has entered into the literary world a memoir to be heralded and studied by all.
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Summary: the ideal audiobook: a great text and a captivating voice
Review: For those of you who have heard the to-do about this book but haven't had the time to read it, this audiobook is a great way to see what all the commotion is about. The basic story is of a boy's life (0-17 years) from Brooklyn to Limerick, then to somewhere else (I don't want to give it away). Although the story is at its core a sad one, the most distinguishing features of the book are that the story is captured with amazing detail, vivid descriptions and a childlike sense of imagination and humor. While enduring the pains of hunger and decrepitude, McCourt describes how his father moved the family to the upstairs portion of the room, which they called "Italy", because it was dry; downstairs was completely flooded from Ireland's seemingly-constant rain. He then recounts how a gentleman comes to search for his father, and the young McCourt explains that his father is up in Italy because it is too wet downstairs, to the befuddlement of the stranger. The story is not merely a description of poverty, it is about a young boy's perseverence and tenacious grasp of hope and optimism despite everything that threatens his happiness and existence. Although the storyline is in itself worthwhile, the author's smooth tenor voice with a hint of an Irish accent lends both authenticity and interest. I put the CD in my car and when I stopped driving I would just wait in the parking lot, listening and imagining.
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Summary: An Exellent Downer
Review: This is one of the most beautifully written memoir's I have ever read. It is hard to say this about the book as a critique, but it is almost too sad. The reason I hesitate to say that is because its a true story. If you are feeling down, do not read this book... find something lighter... but if you feel deep and intellectual, wanting to discover a deeper meaning of what it is to be human... DIVE IN!
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Summary: Touchingly Sad AND Hysterical!
Review: AA had me mesmerized from the moment I began reading it. Mr. McCourt has such a simple, straight forward, yet incredibly descriptive way of telling his story. There were so many moments I felt my heart would break and within a minute I was laughing out loud again. It was truly amazing that this story (coupled with "'Tis"...which I HIGHLY recommend!) is the tale of only ONE person!
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Summary: Stick with it!
Review: I almost put this book down numerous times during the first 200 or so pages. It was so depressing I could hardly make myself read it. But it is a wonderful book and even becomes quite funny the farther you read along. It's worth the effort.
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Summary: Memoir in a Class by Itself
Review: This portrayal of Frank McCourt's childhood/early adolescence is in a class by itself. The writing style from a child's perspective is tremendously honesty giving it a unique freshness and dignity. His childhood experience was one of extreme poverty which is something most of us cannot relate to but it reminds us that regardless of socioeconomic status, we all can relate to the basic things in life - relationships with siblings, parental embarrassments, learning life's lessons through whispered conversations with friends etc. This book has something to offer any intelligent reader. I absolutley loved it!! READ IT. If you were once a confused child, you will relate.
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Summary: A Pleasure to the Ears
Review: I bought the cassette version of Angela's Ashes to accompany me on a very long trip. The trip passed so quickly that I couldn't believe I was at my destination! It was like having a storyteller sitting in the seat next to me. His Irish brogue and the way that he sang the songs of his father made this much more than just a "book on tape". I heartily recommend the audio version. When you hear it as a story, you do not think of it as having "bad grammar".
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