Rating: 
Summary: Much Overrated, Bordering on the Ridiculous
Review: Here's a book which, if it wasn't claimed to be a memoir, would be universally put down as a collection of all the usual trite stereotypes of Irish people and Irish-Americans -- the drunken, maudlin father who spouts off at the drop of a hat about the IRA, the long-suffering mother with multiple children who beats her breast at her husband's drinking, the religious and overbearing aunts, etc. etc. Then there is a supporting cast of stereotypical Jewish mothers, and Italian grocers, and, well you get the picture.The author shows a wee a bit of humor (which is why 2 stars rather than one), but spends most of his time wallowing in self-pity. The writing is an example of mawkish excess. No memorable images to speak of -- Irish men get drunk at funerals, women act catty toward each other, bureaucrats show indifference. You will read this book, and then not remember a thing about it a week later.
Rating: 
Summary: Both tragic and humerous
Review: I bought Angela's Ashes when I was in Germany. At that time, I was desperate for a book, as I had finished the three I had brought from home. I just read the first page or so in the bookstore to see if it looked good. The unusual thing was, almost right away I had a feeling I would really like this book. Just the first paragraph drew me into the story. Now I'm on page 363, and there are 459 pages in the book. This really is a great book. There are hardly any boring parts, and the way Frank tells the story is extremly lively and entertaing. I know, some parts are quite depressing, to say the least, but are made worthwhile by the hilarious descriptions of religious puzzlement and other questions Frank has. I really would not want to be in Frank's place, or really in the place of anyone in his family. Usually I can't stand autobiographies because most of them bore me to death. This memoir is very different. I think it's quite amazing how McCourt had memorized practically every instance of his childhood. One of my favorite parts is when Frank reads aloud his compositon "Jesus and the Weather." This book describes a country I see as distressed and miserable but also strangly sweet.
Rating: 
Summary: Our Ashes
Review: The ashes from which Frank McCourt rose are those of our forefathers. Every generation has this story. Mr. McCourt tells his in a raw, but eloquent, manner and brings each reader from their relative comfort into his timeless struggle. The reader is invited to laugh through the McCourt pain and, is compelled to savor each bite at the McCourt table. Savor his story, for it is one that could belong to any one of us.
Rating: 
Summary: Sure an' its a good book....
Review: I read it. In a day, 's matter a' fact. I've wanted to for some time now, saw it on a chair at my niece's, sat in the chair, opened the cover and I didn't get up until I was done. There are many things that stick in my mind. His first pint and the way those in the pub raised their glasses, fully aware of the gravity of the act; when I read about the time he slept in his grandmother's black dress, I put the book down ('s too hard to read when you're laughing like I was...). Ah yeah, there's a lot in it and its all good. If asked if its a good book, I'd stop, think, then say, "'Tis."
Rating:
Summary: It was okay
Review: Yeah, I must admit that McCourt did have a hard life. But naming the book after his mother kind of put her on a pedestal in my opinion, and that let me down as I read the book because she was not a great person. And also, I think that Frankie (the main character) did things that other boys his age shouldn't be doing, and I didn't enjoy reading those parts, especially in great detail. I do not think that I would buy this book again.
Rating:
Summary: Angela's Ashes
Review: Gross and depressing tale of a boy's life in Ireland. I didn't find this tale too believable, either. Mother was awful -- didn't take care of the kids, couldn't recognize illness, slovenly, desperate. Father a no-good drunk. Too much description of excrement, vomit, scabby sores and puss. Yuck! Funny scenes when boy is making confession. Paints a terrible picture of Irish and of Catholics. Some good tangential stories but, on the whole, a depressing mess.
Rating:
Summary: A Haunting Memoir
Review: Frank McCourt's memoir, telling of his tragic, poverty-stricken youth in New York City and Limerick, Ireland leaves the reader thankful not to have been in his worn out shoes. McCourt's narrative is original and haunting, deftly weaving humor throughout the sadness. His story will stay with you for a long time.
Rating:
Summary: to laugh or to cry
Review: Many people find this book uplifting and enlightening aswell as upsetting and grave. I found it rather interesting. Although the start was very slow for me on a personal basis I found that I got deeper into the book. I had to very careful or I'd fall out of place and make myself find the book boring but luckily I managed to keep a steady hold. You shouldn't get to into depths with the book and let yourself hover over it at a certain distance or the book will not cover what it is meant to. The lives in this book have been brought back to life so enthusiastically that you feel as if you're a spirit or presence that doesn't exist-watching the actually scenes happening. I haven't even watched the movie! Each word in this book is clear and soft and it is amazingly grand and realistic even the cursing!~ I gave it three stars because it's got a rough basis and is rather difficult to get into. The edition that I had had a lot of Irish in it aswell ...language differences-so I felt that other people unlike myself (I've lived in the UK most of my life) may find it rather confusing. But I must say that each and every expression is welcomed with a nod and smile and that thought that seems to say, "I SO know what you mean!" and nod again. It is one book that you can see is from a true life. Great for anyone adult looking for a decent read in a different time.
Rating:
Summary: 'Tis?
Review: How Frank McCourt survived to be a master storyteller, poet, and humanitarian is a miracle and a mystery; midway through his story he suggests the whisper of an answer. After we have walked with him through the cold and filthy streets of Limerick, suffered with him through the senseless deaths of several siblings, felt the cruel indignities of frostbite and fleabite and hunger and mean-ness of human spirit, he posits an intriguing and hopeful suggestion. In the hospital recovering from a near-fatal brush with Typhoid, he shares a brief friendship with a fellow patient who introduces him to great literature. Lost in the delicious escape of poetry, he comments, "'Twas a lovely thing to discover that they couldn't mess with the inside of your head." At the end of this memoir, stepping off the boat onto US soil, a companion exclaims what a great country this is. In the one-word ending chapter, McCourt replies to his friend simply, "'Tis." Angela's Ashes leaves the reader with an indelible experience of enslavement to classism, poverty, disease, and hunger, but it leaves us with an even larger question: Can we fully and truly and responsibly inhabit a land of freedom, plenty, and opportunity? The reader, left breathlessly waiting for the answer to be found in the sequel to this astounding book might do well also to look within.
Rating:
Summary: Good Egg
Review: I held my breath reading much of this memoir, especially toward the end when Francis cries to the priest of St. Francis. Although the terrible hunger these children knew is foreign to me (as the fictional character who refused his egg was to young Francis) yet, in the adults who frequent his searing expose of childhood, I heard my parents' and my grandparents' voices. Dear God, I heard my own. I believe that's partially what the sages mean by "universal." Bravo, Frankie. And, forgive me, God bless. You have gifted us so.
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