All Souls : A Family Story from Southie

Rating:
Summary: A New American Classic?
Review: New classic might be too strong and definitely premature, but M.M.'s story is thought-provoking, a great read, and finally, inspiring. I have a passing acquaintance with Michael. (He doesn't know I'm writing this review, nor will I tell him.) He's everything this book is about: soulful, tough, funny, and wise. The thing that makes the book work is the same thing that makes Mike so special: there's no victim mentality. He's seen it all, and instead of whining about it, he's fighting for change. Likewise, the book's tone is honest, self-critical when it's called for, but never preachy. His ambiguity towards Southie helps the book feel real - who isn't ambiguous about the place they grew up? I'm glad Michael wrote this book. It's about time someone answered "Common Ground" and showed that the Southie and Charlestown stereotypes are just that. This should be required reading for all citizens of Boston. Thanks, Michael.

Rating:
Summary: Deeply moving, and no hint of author's "license."
Review: The culture I grew up in could not be further from the south Boston nightmare this family experienced. Even so, I was deeply affected by this book and most of all by the sense that no family had a stronger youthful joy of life, until drugs, greed, and corruption from the powerful members of the community robbed them of it. It was heartening to read that Mr. MacDonald has found a way to reaffirm what is good about life, and hopeful to all of us afflicted by our own family tragedies that we can persevere. Finally, I offer my praise to Mr. MacDonald for showing us that despite her shortcomings, his courageous "Ma" has lived a life well worth living.

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Summary: I lived there, saw it,knew it, loved it, had to get away
Review: Very briefly I grew up in Columbia Point perhaps ten years before Michael. I am one of five brothers, two of whom went to Southie High. I was fortunate enough to go to Boston Latin School and then to college in Wisconsin. Every thing written is true down to the Southie Jimmy Cagney sneer.

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Summary: I loved this book it brang back so many memories of my past
Review: I dont like to read books but once i read this book i could not put it down.It brang back so many memories of my childhood.I thank mr. macdonald for writing this story.

Rating:
Summary: Okay, but could be better
Review: I read this book because of all of the controversy surrounding it regarding Southie and the people who didn't like it. As a child of the suburbs, whose father grew up in Southie, I was often told to "stay away from Southie". I guess I am not surprised by this book and find the stories in it sadly an everyday occurrence. While I believe his mother tried to do her best, I believe she could have been more involved. All in all, it is a sad story and hopefully, things will get better for the rest of the family.

Rating:
Summary: It was hard to see the reality put on paper.
Review: As a young adult of south boston. I found the book to be overwhelming. As i sat for hours straing to read one more page, i laughed and cried. I felt some of the things the author was feeling. I was overtaken thet someone else felt the same pull towards south boston. His story was one that just recently repeated itself.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ !!
Review: Couldn't put it down. A riveting tale of life in the projects. If you grew up in the idyllic suburbs, as I did, you will be aghast at almost every turn of the page. I highly recommend this extraordinary family story.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down
Review: This book is an excellent peice of work, I found myself not wanting to put it down. It's a must read. It gives people hope who have gone through similar situations that you can make it out.

Rating:
Summary: compelling,I could not put the book down
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed All Souls.This book is about how this young mans family endures many tragedies while living in Southie and the survivors do well. I think you have reviewers from Southie who obviously did not read the book. One of them misspelled the authors name.

Rating:
Summary: brave and touching
Review: It took me a while to realize that this book was an indictment of the Irish mafia of South Boston, because I was so caught up in the personal story of Michael MacDonald, the humorous adventures of his young childhood, and then the tragic deaths of his siblings. This story is gripping enough in its own right, but it acquires extra urgency when you realize that he is gradually bringing together his personal experiences with those of other people, and formulating a brave accusation against gangsters who, it's important to realize, are still around. The scenes in the book where he (and other grieving family members) memorialize Southie's young victims are especially moving.