ANGELA'S ASHES

Rating:
Summary: 'Tis?
Review: How Frank McCourt survived to be a master storyteller, poet, and humanitarian is a miracle and a mystery; midway through his story he suggests the whisper of an answer. After we have walked with him through the cold and filthy streets of Limerick, suffered with him through the senseless deaths of several siblings, felt the cruel indignities of frostbite and fleabite and hunger and mean-ness of human spirit, he posits an intriguing and hopeful suggestion. In the hospital recovering from a near-fatal brush with Typhoid, he shares a brief friendship with a fellow patient who introduces him to great literature. Lost in the delicious escape of poetry, he comments, "'Twas a lovely thing to discover that they couldn't mess with the inside of your head." At the end of this memoir, stepping off the boat onto US soil, a companion exclaims what a great country this is. In the one-word ending chapter, McCourt replies to his friend simply, "'Tis." Angela's Ashes leaves the reader with an indelible experience of enslavement to classism, poverty, disease, and hunger, but it leaves us with an even larger question: Can we fully and truly and responsibly inhabit a land of freedom, plenty, and opportunity? The reader, left breathlessly waiting for the answer to be found in the sequel to this astounding book might do well also to look within.

Rating:
Summary: Good Egg
Review: I held my breath reading much of this memoir, especially toward the end when Francis cries to the priest of St. Francis. Although the terrible hunger these children knew is foreign to me (as the fictional character who refused his egg was to young Francis) yet, in the adults who frequent his searing expose of childhood, I heard my parents' and my grandparents' voices. Dear God, I heard my own. I believe that's partially what the sages mean by "universal." Bravo, Frankie. And, forgive me, God bless. You have gifted us so.

Rating:
Summary: I am so indebted to Frank McCourt for writing this book.
Review: I really didn't need to write another review as there are already over 1200 here, but I couldn't help it. I have to make sure everyone knows that this book touched me more than anything else I have ever read.

I was a little nervous about reading Angela's Ashes at first because I thought it might be a little too depressing and harsh. Well, I was right, but I never counted on the incredible humor that this author is able to intertwine into the most miserable circumstances. So just as I feared, I cried out loud for these poor little children, but I also laughed out loud many times. What a talent to be able to write about such tragedy and sorrow and yet still manage to convey a sense of hope and redemption. I'm still wishing I could give that little boy and his brothers everything that I took for granted as a child - most of all, I just want to reach through the book and hug them.

Rating:
Summary: I Give More than a Fiddler's Fart
Review: My mom loaned me Angela's Ashes, and told me I had to read it immediately. Boy, was she right. I read the book cover to cover in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Frank McCourt's writing style and narrative is full of humor and a child's wisdom and introspect. I found myself crying and laughing over the same passages. I highly recommend this book for entertainment, for education, and to make you fully appreciate what you've been blessed with. Also, if it's not too late, read the book before you see the movie. You'll understand a lot more.

Rating:
Summary: Angela's Ashes
Review: This is very sad, poignant and loving account of poverty in Ireland of the early 1900s and a honest depiction of both God's intervention, human weakness and moral depravity.

Rating:
Summary: An Irish diamond
Review: Having listened to Malachy McCourt for many years on WBAI, I feel like I know Frank McCourt. After reading this book I feel like I lived with him. This book could have been very depressing if not written with such humor and childhood innocence. This book will help you appreciate everything you have. It also helped me truly understand my Irish heritage as well as my Irish father.

Rating:
Summary: If it makes you cry, then is it a masterpiece?
Review: A lot of people have reviewed this book on shere impulse, stating clearly this is "the best book I have ever read". This opinion is, however, not shared by me.

Don't get me wrong, the right of passage story of Frank McCourt is definetely uplifting, but is it for this reason a masterpiece? It is a terrific read for all readers, but the actual storyline is not so significant or impressive that one must be dumbfounded by it! Emotional literature does not mean masterpiece, however it is a great read!

Rating:
Summary: Angela's Ashes
Review: I loved this book so much. I have never read about such poverty before and it was an eye opener. Frank McCourt sounds like a person I would like to meet, share a "pint" and talk. I had to also get the follow-up book "Tis." I liked it even better and can't imagine skipping that book after reading Angela's Ashes."

Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: The first time a read this book makes me cry... and laugh, because is extraordinary, is "so real", that you can feel it, I mean, feel the pain, the hungry, the fear. It's so incredible, they were just kids, and you can see all these awfull things trough the one kid's eyes. It's so emotional,I just can say Thanks, Mr. McCourt for sharing a little piece of your incredible life with us.

Rating:
Summary: I love my life...
Review: This is definetly the book to read if you are feeling sorry for yourself and a bit depressed. Frank McCourts touching true tale of his childhood is so sad and heartbreaking that it makes every day life in present day America seem like a cake walk. This story really made me happy to be alive and have such a wonderful upbringing, family and friends.