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Summary: A Celtic childhood
Review: Bill puts a smile on your face every time you meet him. A Celtic childhood is an example of his exceptional wit and charisma ! Its a joy to have this book being Irish, I'm from Co. Limerick - what a great christmas present for the folks back home. Keep um coming Bill !
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Summary: Irish Wit and Charm at it's Best!
Review: Bill Watkin's book is a charismatic blend of personal history, Celtic spirituality, and humor. While it resonates with the almost mythical beauty (and hardships) of growing up in post-war Ireland, it avoids the mistake of becoming maudlin. Watkin's coming-of-age tales are lessons for us all in the "joy of life." It's use of Galic history provides a strong base for a brilliant book. What a good read!
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Summary: Celtic lore
Review: Bill Watkins book is a breath of fresh air with a unique style of prose, seldom, if at all, found these days. Poetic, humorous and delightfully witty, the oral tradition of Watkins Celtic roots opens a door to a rich heritage that even a non Celt can appreciate. All ages will love this many-layered tale of wild adventure, mothers especially.
Rating:
Summary: Celtic lore
Review: Bill Watkins book is a breath of fresh air with a unique style of prose, seldom, if at all, found these days. Poetic, humorous and delightfully witty, the oral tradition of Watkins Celtic roots opens a door to a rich heritage that even a non Celt can appreciate. All ages will love this many-layered tale of wild adventure, mothers especially.
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Summary: A "couldn't put it down" Book!
Review: Bill Watkins' humorous and fascinating memories of his childhood in Ireland and England make this one of those books that you just can't seem to stop reading. I kept telling myself, "Just ONE more chapter, then I'll put it down and go to sleep." Even the hard times are told with wit and good humor and with a real love for the people, surroundings, and music that influenced him so much. Am looking forward eagerly to the next one!
Rating:
Summary: A "couldn't put it down" Book!
Review: Bill Watkins' humorous and fascinating memories of his childhood in Ireland and England make this one of those books that you just can't seem to stop reading. I kept telling myself, "Just ONE more chapter, then I'll put it down and go to sleep." Even the hard times are told with wit and good humor and with a real love for the people, surroundings, and music that influenced him so much. Am looking forward eagerly to the next one!
Rating:
Summary: "A rollercoaster rites of passage extravaganza! "
Review: Bill Watkins' work is as thoroughly absorbing as it is entertaining. A laugh out loud journey from the beginnings of childhood to adolescence with a style of writing that leaps from the page grabbing your attention and tickling the funny bone! The use of language, embellished with song and poetry lends itself well to bringing the many characters to life. A worthy addition to the Christmas reading list.
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Summary: A Celtic Childhod
Review: Drop dead funny, but also bittersweet. I loved this book and recommended it to all my friends
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Summary: The Anti Angela's Ashes
Review: Given the timing and subject matter of Bill Watkins' "A Celtic Childhood," comparisons to Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" and "'Tis" are inevitable.While the similarities are evident, Watkins' and McCourt's styles are far from identical.While McCourt's stories are humorous, they focus on the hardships of growing up poor in Ireland, seemingly from the point of view of an adult looking back on the past. Watkins, on the other hand, tells humorous stories that mention the hardships of his youth matter-of-factly, and is able to take on the point of view of the child describing the present. Watkins' vivid imagination and gift for language are quite apparent in this memoir. The fantasies he created for himself as a child (and often acted out) are wonderful, whether he be Biggles the World War I aviator or the leader of a pack of American gangsters. What stands out for me in this book is the relationship Watkins, as an only child, had with his parents (and other adult relatives). His mother is a woman of great creativity and salty language, while his father is a bit of a tosspot and ne'er-do-well who loves his son and imparts great knowledge of things scientific, philospohical and historical. Watkins has the eye of the keen observer, always alert, missing nothing, and the ability to describe what he has observed with very creative uses of language. I recommend this book strongly to fans of humor, memoir, and all things Irish. Watkins reportedly plans a trilogy, of which this is the first volume. (The second will allegedly be called "Scotland is Not for the Squeamish.") I can't wait to read it!
Rating:
Summary: The Anti Angela's Ashes
Review: Given the timing and subject matter of Bill Watkins' "A Celtic Childhood," comparisons to Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" and "'Tis" are inevitable.While the similarities are evident, Watkins' and McCourt's styles are far from identical. While McCourt's stories are humorous, they focus on the hardships of growing up poor in Ireland, seemingly from the point of view of an adult looking back on the past. Watkins, on the other hand, tells humorous stories that mention the hardships of his youth matter-of-factly, and is able to take on the point of view of the child describing the present. Watkins' vivid imagination and gift for language are quite apparent in this memoir. The fantasies he created for himself as a child (and often acted out) are wonderful, whether he be Biggles the World War I aviator or the leader of a pack of American gangsters. What stands out for me in this book is the relationship Watkins, as an only child, had with his parents (and other adult relatives). His mother is a woman of great creativity and salty language, while his father is a bit of a tosspot and ne'er-do-well who loves his son and imparts great knowledge of things scientific, philospohical and historical. Watkins has the eye of the keen observer, always alert, missing nothing, and the ability to describe what he has observed with very creative uses of language. I recommend this book strongly to fans of humor, memoir, and all things Irish. Watkins reportedly plans a trilogy, of which this is the first volume. (The second will allegedly be called "Scotland is Not for the Squeamish.") I can't wait to read it!
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