Rating: 
Summary: An Alcoholic's Pathos
Review: A worthy effort, this book probably suffers chronic comparison syndrome to brother Frank's Pulizer prize winner, ANGELA'S ASHES. Mr. Malachy's memoir, however, displays a darker more sinister slant to the story of the Irish immigrant McCourt family. The title refers to a catechism malapropism Malachy used as a child: "Hail Mary, full of grace ... Blessed art Thou a monk swimming" And, if one believes that God looks out for fools and drunks, it is an appropriate title indeed. The book reeks of the influence the Church must have had over the young McCourt during his brief period of schooling in Limerick. It is a confession of all the debauchery, unkind acts and selfishness he enjoyed during his youth. Yes, he writes it well and yes, it is often funny, but the sorrow and regret behind the clever words is evident. Unlike brother Frank, the younger McCourt is sorry for the life behind him and still bears stinging grudges against himself and the parents that Frank came to terms with years ago. It is an expertly-worded alcoholic's lament.
Rating: 
Summary: This book put the Irish race back 400 years! Sad!
Review: My own Irishness enjoyed his rapier Irish wit at first--after that fun beginning his book traveled ever downhill. The only reason I continued reading was to find the place where "until he (Malachy) had no choice but to stop and turn and face his past" as stated on the jacket cover. Was that part of the story left out? Maybe he's planning on writing a sequel. I'd like to think Malachy grew up. His childhood was indeed horrible, but when he matured (?) he must have sometime realized that he had to take responsibily for his own actions. His "words" to God especially sickened me. Glad I got this book from the library rather than putting money out for it. His "bro" Frank is a prince!
Rating:
Summary: very disappointing!
Review: I could start by saying that I was hoping that "A Monk Swimming" would be a continuation of the oftentimes funny, oftentimes sad,always poetic memoir by Malachy's brother Frank McCourt but I won't because that wouldn't be fair. After all, every work should be judged in and of itself. However, to say I was disappointed by "A Monk Swimming" doesn't even begin to explain my feelings for this book. While I enjoyed the first third of Malachy's account of his life in America; after all he had a number of really funny stories and he told them well and it was good fun. However, in the second third of the book, it turned into nothing more than an oaf's tale with the abuses he heaved upon his first wife and children. To me it seems that Malachy would be great craic (fun) to hang out with on the fringe, but God help you if you got too close because then you really got hurt. Finally, the last third was simply boring. I was especially disappointed by the last two pages of the book because it clearly showed what the book could have been: that is, well written and poignant. Those last two pages had a lot of feeling and emotion that the rest of the book lacked. Oh well. In any case, I took the book back to the store where I bought it and asked for my money back (something I rarely do); there was no way that I wanted that man to have even a cent of my money. Meanwhile Frank McCourt's book will remain on my bookshelf forever, unless I'm reading it again!
Rating:
Summary: A Book for Masochists
Review: Let's hope that a three hundred year heritage of great Irish literature hasn't fizzled down to the level of Malachy McCourt's memoirs. It is just barely possible that the autobiographical tales of a dissolute, profane, self-absorbed, drunken, under-employed name-dropper might turn out to be interesting. But not in this volume. While reading this book, the reader is likely to find himself or herself wishing that McCourt, like a few of his unfortunate siblings, had remained on Irish soil.
Rating:
Summary: Waste of time
Review: I should have waited for the paperback - what a waste of time and money. The only thing I got out of it was the proper way to pronounce 'Cead Mille Failte'. I was half-expecting something similar to Hamill's 'A Drinking Life' (five stars in my eyes) but was very disappointed
Rating: 
Summary: A fun book to read..well written..
Review: I do not wish to compare this book to the "other" book by another McCourt (although that book is on my "All time favorite list"). Rather than compare, I just plain enjoyed this book! What fun reading. What an interesting tale. And the fact/fiction isn't the keypoint here... the author's life glows between the paragraphs! More than a wee bit of balarny...this book was refreshing and refurbished my soul when I read it (in January, in Montana, with overcast sky and long nights). Thanks Mr McCourt. Are there more brothers to hear from? Or shall we be hearing more of these? This one is a keeper!
Rating:
Summary: More selfishness
Review: Malachy is not the man his brother is, and it was downright painful to read this book. His memoirs are filled with acts of selfishness and carelessness, without any appretiation of others nor the world he was in. A huge contrast to Frank.
Rating:
Summary: A long winded story, but short on depth
Review: I was impressed by Malachy's ignorance of the consequences of his own behavior. this was not a mea culpa even though it could have or should have been. I think this could have been written as a short story and of all the things he has experienced i wished this be could have been a less formulaic read.
Rating:
Summary: Only for the the book club
Review: Only for the book club would I have completed this book. I did not enjoy it and see the writing as an affectation of Irishness. The dialect did not ring true as authentic at all. Not to ever read sez, face hole, blower, bro, bod, fleshpots, premi, and other terms that can't be placed in this review would please me greatly.It appears to me that Malachy McCourt can only be capitalizing on his brother, Frank's, literary success. Obviously, Malachy is well read, has educated himself, and supports civil rights and social justice. These are positives, but the only positives I see. What a shame that there are some 35 more years to go in his memoir. I hope he declines to continue writing.
Rating:
Summary: Drunken bar room tales...don't waste your time.
Review: Fortunately, I picked this book up in the library and did not waste my money...only my time. I was saddened for Malachy McCourt's children. While he drunkenly complained about being abandoned by his own drunken father, Malachy was traveling the bars and the world in a drunken stupor, "dipping his wick", and abandoning his own kids. How sad! I've not read his brother's book...from the other reviews, it sounds SIGNIFICANTLY better.
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