Rating: 
Summary: A disappointment
Review: After just having finished McCourt's novel, I'm wondering - quite baffled - at what the fuss is about. This book is neither interesting, engaging, or well-developed. None of the characters gain sympathy or have any redeeming qualities. Worst of all, the ending leaves you wondering why you spent time reading the first 458 pages, since there is no closure (or even a suggestion thereof) as to the fate of the characters. I realize there is a sequel, but a memoir should offer some sort of clincher to the story, otherwise, the meaning is lost.Also, when by some miracle the author touches upon an interesting memory, he wraps it up within two or three paragraphs, leaving you to re-read the paragraphs in order to escape the onslaught of drivel to come. It reads like a series of snapshots. Instead, _Angela's Ashes_ reads like a laundry list of deaths by consumption and breakfasts of fried bread and tea. Repeated descriptions of chamber pots, lavatories, and oozing orifices made me feel so ill that I had to gag up my own lunch. I only forced myself to finish it because I paid enough for the paperback. All in all, I'm disappointed and stunned that anyone could hail this piece of garbage a classic. Not I. Save your money - _Angela's Ashes_ seems to be written with a stilted hand that is anxious to follow in the path of traditional Irish tales of filth and poverty. Sadly, it doesn't even live up to the worst of the lot.
Rating: 
Summary: Most everything you've heard is true.
Review: Absorbing and engrossing pretty much the whole way through, Frank McCourt's much-lauded memoir of his miserable Irish childhood is just as good, whether being humorous or sad, as everyone says. Yes, it moves very well between laughter and tears, between giggle-worthy childhood exploits and other more sobering experiences, and hardly ever fails to lose the reader's interest. It is easy to visualize his relatives and friends, even if the descriptions of them are kind of sparse. It is pretty amazing that he can remember so clearly events that happened when he was three onward. (The cynics would say he made some up, but I'm not really a cynic) Both moving and funny, endearing and not really forgettable.
Rating:
Summary: I LOVED THIS BOOK
Review: Buy this book-you won't regret it! It's truly amazing what Frank McCourt went through in his lifetime. It's one tragic scene after the other, yet I found myself constantly laughing out loud because of his humorous outlook on life. (I cried a few times as well). When I feel sorry for myself, I think about what his life was like in Ireland, and it puts me in my place. His life was truly an adventure worth reading--I simply did not want it to end--I can't wait to read "T'is!"
Rating: 
Summary: Try it Yourself
Review: It was the rave reviews on the back of the book which persuaded me to buy the book. I am always out to read experiences or stories that are unusual and extraordinary and the reviews cried out, "This is IT! " I was quite surprised as I read the first few pages. Firstly, the English was not standard. Secondly, there were no punctuation marks which indicated which parts were speech. Many atimes I had to reread certain sentences to get things straight. Technicalities aside, the story was marginally funny and Frank McCourt's life is quite a sight to behold when he was a child. If you want a taste of how difficult life can be, Frank is the man for you. Although Frank's relatives were not fully developed, you can picture in your head his almost always drunken father, pitiful mother, scrawny and hunched-back grandmother, generously-fleshed Aunt Aggie and the lovable Uncle Pa. See Frank as he nurses his twin brothers as a 4 year old, steal his first apple and almost die from typhoid. As with all growing pains, watch him learn about the "excitement" and be there with him as he experienced it first with a girl on Carmody Street. A fine piece of work, very educational. Pity the punctuation.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo! Best book of the centry! A must read!
Review: (Takes place in the 1930s)I have read my share of books. Including all the classics. I think that this book should become on of the classics. This book is sad and funny! The story goes: The main charecter is born in NYC. He has brothers (Malachy) (Ugene) (Oliver) and a sister (Margret) After his sister Margret dies they move to Limrick, Irelnad. The twins (Oliver and Ugene)die. Than Michel is born... It goes on like this only with much more detail. The father is from the north and drinks. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Lyrical and awe inspiring
Review: Mr. McCourt's recollection of his childhood years is authentic and real. He experienced child neglect and hunger that rips your heart out. I felt his humor was superiorly wooven into the story and that is what kept me moving on with this book. My hat is off to him !
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Story - Difficult Read
Review: The story is interesting, mainly for the history it entails. The characters aren't greatly developed and Frank (and Angela) are stoic, at best. McCourt's style of writing is difficult to read and I found myself having to reread paragraphs to get the gist of some things. However, he doesn't waiver from the story (so I guess that makes the style "easier"). Overall, it's a good book. Worth reading, however depressing it is. Just don't get in a hurry or you'll lose half of it. Makes you laugh, makes you cry, good ending. I'm sorry the movie didn't do it justice.
Rating:
Summary: A good dose of reality
Review: Superb book. Tears at your heart, and makes you want to scream and laugh all at the same time. A very good reminder to show compassion for those less fortunate.
Rating:
Summary: One you can't put down!
Review: This is just one of those books you can't put down. I think it was especially eye-opening because all of the events in the book were true. It really makes you feel fortunate. It was truly a wonderful read. Can't wait to read 'Tis!
Rating:
Summary: A triumph,highly enjoyable!
Review: I loved the audio cassette, Frank McCourt has a fascinating story telling style. You will laugh and cry and come away with a different perspective on life and maybe a greater appreciation for the things we sometimes take for granted. I also love the voice and voices spoken by Frank McCourt and recommend it very much!
| 
