Rating: Summary: Angela's Ashes Review: It had been a long time since I had found a book that once I began reading it, I could not put it down. Such was the case with Angela's Ashes. Mr. McCourt's style of writing is like running down a hill: you cannot stop until you have reached the bottom. Then, he either hits you with a zinger or leaves you gasping for air.
Rating: Summary: Nice Story, terrible writing style Review: Angela's Ashes was a wonderful read for those of us who care little about long run on sentenses and poor punctuation. At the start of the book one empathises with the young Frank, but as one gets to know him a little better, one grows to dislike the selfish boy. The need to find out what happens next just about encourages the reader to keep reading despite the awful style. The need to keep reading was mainly due to interest in what happened in Limerick having heard first-hand stories from other parts of my home elsewhere in Ireland at that time. I wonder why he ever got a prize for this book! Don't hold this book as your only sample of "Irish" writing.
Rating: Summary: Fascinating Review: I have just finished reading this book and could not put it down. From the time I first bought it, I grabbed every spare minute I could to get another page read. I always thought I had had a rather poverty-stricken upbringing (compared to people I was in school with) until reading about Frank McCourt's life. His book has made me realize there is a difference in growing up poor and growing up with absolutely nothing. And yet Frank sustained the courage to go on every day, always believing there had to be a way out of his plight in life. His love of the written word from an early age mirrors my own - it was always a wonderful way to escape one's surroundings. I will make this book a summer must-read for my four materialistic, take-it-all for granted, Nintendo-playing sons. It is the biggest eye-opener I have ever experienced.
Rating: Summary: Angelas Ashes Review: Angelas Ashes was a book that kept me glued to it's pages. It was told in such an honest and refreshing way that you could feel the true human emotions brought to life through Frank McCourts memories. It makes you take a look at your own life and how lucky you are. The charactors from his past are brought back to life with such vivid recall, you feel like you've grown up with them yourself. Frank McCourt is a true inspiration to life and the American dream. His sequel "'Tis" is just as satisfying, after reading Angelas Ashes you'll surely be craving to read 'Tis.
Rating: Summary: THE DEFINITION OF THE INDOMINATBLE HUMAN SPIRIT Review: After reading this biography, I have to worn others that it will surely reach your heart and soul. It will make you laugh while your brushing away the tears in your eyes. While reading, I was reminded of other books of such testament of will of the human spirit, such as "City of Joy", "A boy called it" and its sequels, "The Lost Boy" and "A Man Named Dave" and even the fiction, "Gap Creek". They are beautiful stories, not because of their content, but because of the will and determination of the subjects to take the worst life has to offer and triumph. "Angela's Ashes" is written so beautifully that I can certainly understand why it received the Pulitzer. I have just ordered "Tis"; I have to know what happened to Frank(ie) after he landed in America. I have no preconceived ideas how this book will compare to "Angela's Ashes" since it is a continuation of a life, and one in America as compared to a childhood in Ireland. I am the cheering section for this entire family, especially Frank. Of course, we know Frank went on to write (with that good fist) a Pulitzer prize winning autobiography! but how he arrived at that success is a "must read" for me. Thank you, Mr. McCourt, for sharing your story. You've certainly enriched my life on many levels.
Rating: Summary: Angela's Ashes - A must-read for our materialistic society Review: What an eye-opening memoir for our all too materialistic society. The astonishing living conditions of Frank McCourt's early childhood would shock anyone in current times, however, they rose to meet these economic challenges with humor and a will to succeed. Gives us the reality check we all so desperately need! Frank McCourt brings us through his childhood to young adulthood with such a force - you find it quite difficult to put the book down. Makes you yearn for 'What happens next?...'
Rating: Summary: The Book Is Not The Issue Review: As is often the case, the book is less consequential than the public reaction to it. The latter is far more instructive than the former will ever be.
Rating: Summary: Not about the Irish I know Review: I did not like this book at all and I cannot believe that so few people share my opinion. Mr Mc Court's description of the Irish people does not fit at all with those I have been acquainted with since I married into an Irish family 40 years ago. The Irish I know are all very dignified people, they respect themselves and others, they are sincerely religious, albeit somewhat parochial, they raise their children with a great sense of morality, and I must say Irish women especially are strong, hard working and very honest. There was not one person in this book who had any redeeming value whatsoever. I have to admit that it was extremely well written, the description of poverty was well rendered in all it's abject truth. So maybe this book was Mr. Mc.Court very personal experience, it does not represent the Irish as a whole. What are Angelas'ashes ? What fell from her many cigarettes? Why did this book get such a high prize?
Rating: Summary: I don't get it. Review: I can't believe all the fuss and accolades about this book. To me, it's a load of whiny self-pitying tripe. Intolerable.1 star is too much for this book.
Rating: Summary: Sobering Review: Credit to you, Frank McCourt, for surviving the desperate childhood described in Angela's Ashes. I have seen poverty before, but now through you, for a few hours, I've lived it. You've slapped me in the face and made me truly appreciate what I have.
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