Rating: 
Summary: Delightfully powerful, poignant, and witty
Review: I was caught up in this first book by Bill immediately because of his warmth, humor, and the amazing way that his unsurpassed storytelling skills vividly draw you into the events of his childhood as though you were right there. A Celtic Childhood reveals the humor and heart and goodnatured view on life that Bill exudes today, in spite of any troubles and hard times. His perspective on life is very refreshing, and not at all bogged down by any self-pity or guilt as others have unfortunately exhibited in memoirs. It's very difficult to put this book down. There are adventures around every corner which all turn out inevitably funny no matter how disastrous. These are told at an exciting and rapid pace similar to a child's energy and intake of experience. In particular, I love the language and the rhythm -- the ways that Bill questions in his early years the meanings behind common phrases, sayings, and words. His view of the adult lives around him are hysterical and apt! His inclusion of a glossary and tune lyrics, as well as injection of many insights and facts of Celtic history, lore, and culture all serve to make this memoir an incredibly rich and vital read, that will leave an indelible imprint upon the heart and mind of all who read it. Rarely have I read a book with such heart, and phenomenal wit and way with words. Bill's a grand storyteller, and a wonderful, generous and multi-talented human being. Looking very forward to reading "Scotland is Not for the Squeamish", and the 3rd book in this trilogy when it comes out next year!
Rating: 
Summary: A book that will resurrect the spirit of impish youth
Review: I was first recommended this book by a friend. Having already read Frank McCourt's 'Angela's Ashes' I was wary of what I assumed to be something of a similar subject matter. However I was pleasantly surprised. Rather than attempting to invoke a feeling of guilty depression upon the reader, Watkins book celebrates both the joys of growing up (many of us share the memory of a childhood that was poor AND happy)and the tenacious nature of the Celtic spirit without falling into the repetitive downward spiralling plot of AA. The overall mood is a positive one that involves the reader through rich descriptions and even a glossary to help with the cosmopolitan use of language. It is certainly a book that you can go back to and as a good book of this type should do, it leads the reader to fresh ground. I found myself wanting to know more of the historical and mythical characters alluded to in the text. If this is to be the first work of a trilogy I can only hope the best is yet to come!
Rating:
Summary: Enthralling!
Review: I was given a loan of this book while I was working my way through Frank McCourt's 'Angela's Ashes', which I found quite dour, on the other hand I found this book to be one of the most entertaining books I have read in many years, I virtually read the whole book in one sitting. As a Scotsman living in Dublin, there is a strong resonance of Celtic familiarity which made the book very endearing to me. Bill Watkins gift of the gab, sharp wit and his ability to make the reader feel that they are right along with him during his story telling makes for a grand rip-roaring adventure. An essential book for the new Millenium!
Rating:
Summary: Adventure, humour, sadness... Life
Review: Reading Bill's work has given me a new outlook on my own Celtic heritage, and I'm finally 'hearing' the songs and stories my grandparents couldn't share with me. In 'A Celtic Childhood', Bill proves himself a true Bard in the modern world, serving his own happiness, tears, songs, stories & wit with the world. And we come back begging for seconds... And thirds.
Rating:
Summary: Adventure, humour, sadness... Life
Review: Reading Bill's work has given me a new outlook on my own Celtic heritage, and I'm finally 'hearing' the songs and stories my grandparents couldn't share with me. In 'A Celtic Childhood', Bill proves himself a true Bard in the modern world, serving his own happiness, tears, songs, stories & wit with the world. And we come back begging for seconds... And thirds.
Rating:
Summary: Colorful,witty and very vivid
Review: This wonderfully written book truely is one that should be on everyone's must read list. It's worth it's weight in gold! It is every bit as colorful as Bill Watkins is. While I read it, I almost felt like Bill was with me, telling me the tales,singing the songs and showing me around Ireland. Despite the hardships he faced,he manages to evoke much happiness in the reader. After reading this book,I can hardley wait for another. The book has shown me how Bill became the man he is today; he seems to find joy in any situation!
Rating:
Summary: Finally a happy Irish memoir. Tis tisn't.
Review: Writer Watkins autobiography is a lyrical and humorous collection of true growing up stories told in the best tradition.Wheras the English hoard words like misers the author spends them like a sailor.Watkins brings an intelligence and culture to Celtic life that is sorely lacking in other recent Irish literature.
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