Rating: 
Summary: An Impoverished Childhood Diet
Review: This memoir by Frank McCourt 's Irish childhood has been praised to the sky. Not only has it won major acclaim, but everyone I know has loved it. I can see why. It has great characters and tears at your heartstrings. You'd have to be made of stone to not relate to the sad and impoverished childhood of the author, and his matter-of-fact courage acceptance of it.The one word that stands out when I think about this book is "food", or lack thereof. It's surprising this man is still alive and kicking at the age of 68 when I read about his childhood diet. Mostly small pieces of bread and tea and sugar water for babies' bottles. He yearns for an egg as if it is the most precious thing in the world. And when there is nothing else, he licks the grease off the newspapers that have wrapped fish and chips. The family lives on the dole. The father is a drunk. And yet I can't hate the father. He comes across as a man with a problem who loves his family even though every penny he has goes to "the drink". There's lack of clothing, unheated living spaces, cruel relatives, illness, and the death of little children. All is sad. And very moving, And real. I think of my own childhood. More food than I could eat. Electricity. Plumbing. A warm house. A father who supported the family. A mother who wasn't worn out from hunger and overwork. There's a lot to be thankful for. It's a good book. I have to recommend it. And yet it took me over a week to read because every time I picked it up I kept falling asleep. I read a lot of books. Some of them pull me right in and I can't put it down till I finish it. That's rare though. I'll abandon others after the first few pages. Mostly I generally look forward to reading what I've selected though. I didn't look forward to reading this and found it a chore to finish. Perhaps I had heard too many rave reviews and expected more. Maybe it is as simple as that. There's a certain thrill about discovering a book on my own which was missing. However, it seems I'm the only one in the whole world who felt that way. Do read it for yourself though. It's certainly worthwhile.
Rating: 
Summary: Angelas Ashes - Wonderful!
Review: I am usually a mystery/thriller reader but this one caught my eye. Once I started reading it, though, I thought this was a really depressing book. I kept on reading, and thinking what I would do if I was so desperate. And I kept on reading. I continued to think how horrible it must have been to live in such poverty and ignorance and though the book was really making me feel sad, I had to keep on reading. It is a testimony to the human spirit and to know that no matter what the odds, a person can make it. I am starting the sequel "Tis" tonight. I applaud Mr Frank McCourt for this wonderful, albeit sad, story. I can't wait to start "Tis".
Rating:
Summary: What are you people reading?
Review: Frank McCourt's book Angela's Ashes was a MEMOIR. It was intended to be a truthful and vivid account of his REAL life. I thought it was wonderful, and I learned a lot about what life was like for indigent families in Ireland. Yes, the scenes were graphic and tragedies seemed endless, but it was VERY well-written. I think a lot of people didn't like the book, either because they were expecting a delicate, sugar-coated tale of his childhood or simply because the story forced them to evaluate how many things they took for granted in their own childhood. Guilt can be a terrible thing...Also, how can anyone say that there was too much sadness? This is an ACTUAL account of someone's life. I applaud Mr. McCourt at having shared his pain with his readers. For all of those who did not like this book, next time, pick up one of those predictable romance novels from the grocery store; leave the emotional truths and real-life stories to the rest of us.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay story, good writing
Review: I liked this book fairly well. I think that it was depressing, but if his life was derpressing, then he should portray it honestly. I saw that some reviews said there was no misery in Limerick, because of the strong sense of community there. I say that if he was miserable then there was misery. Also, I notice on many of the reviews that are negative, even if its an honest representation of the book, most people find it unhelpful. It's the same for other books. Why is this?
Rating:
Summary: Who needs fiction?
Review: How can one possible descibe this Memoir? It's laugh out loud funny, tragic, frustrating, shake your fist maddening, and completely engrossing. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! The fact that the author actually lived this tale challenges you to find something to honestly complain about in your own life. I am reading the continuation of the story, "Tis'" and find it just as enjoyable, and have just received A MONK SWIMMING by Mr.McCourts brother Malachy as a gift, which I'll read next. There is nothing better than a good story, and the fact the stories are true to life, makes this book, and it's continuation, some of the best reading I've experienced.
Rating:
Summary: You Must Read This Book
Review: Deciding that I wanted to read this book before seeing the movie, I'm so glad I did. I couldn't put this book down. It's so unbelievably depressing and sad, yet you will find yourself laughing as you read what Frank is thinking as a young boy living life in proverty. It's amazing to me to think of how these drunk fathers could watch their children starve to death, simply because they couldn't resist the drink. This book is a real triumph, and left me with that sense of hope, that if Frank McCourt could get through that, you can get through anything.
Rating:
Summary: very realistic, can't-put-down kind of book
Review: I am the daughter of an Irish-American who was born in the U.S. during the mid-twenties. Admittedly, I read this book because it was a best-seller, but after reading just the first paragraph, I knew I had to read it. Not only did this book give me some insight into the reality of poverty (from which I've been spared, thank God), but it gave me a great understanding of my father. I brought up and read various passages from the book to my father and he couldn't have agreed more whole-heartedly. Besides enjoying the biography itself, I enjoyed Mr. McCourt's writing style. I've never come across such a way of writing; it was quite intriguing. I disagree with the 3-star reviewer about the lack of thought on McCourt's part as a teenager. When a person grows up in a certain milieu, why should one question it? As was stated in the book, one just didn't ask questions of ANYONE that wasn't a peer. Nowadays, we offer greater diversity in schools and a chance for questions by all students, so we see the disparity very clearly, almost painfully. I haven't read 'Tis yet, but I am sure Mr. McCourt will be sharing his thoughts one life and how it can be different.
Rating:
Summary: A very good book.
Review: I don't know why, but I really thought this was a great book. It was sad, witty, easy to get through, fun at times, and also very depressing. It tells a great story, and that story is made even better by the simple fact that its true. I don't know what else to say. It's just a good book. I hope that the movie does the book justice.
Rating:
Summary: a glimpse into irish life
Review: touching tale of one man's journey through life set in an irish background. really emotional and an easy read. very good and highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Good Stuff
Review: Angela's Ashes made me want a drink
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