Latest 6 Reviews Here is what people are saying about the Angela's Ashes: A Memoir
"Was hoping for something better"
2009-10-30
- Reviewed By User: AW0B5E58XCBLO
I haven't being looking forward to reviewing this book. I honestly don't know what to give it. I feel almost guilty for giving it 3 stars. Nothing about this book really stands out to me. I don't understand Irish traditions and customs, nor do I really understand War torn Europe during World War II. And this books doesn't really help with any of that. I keep waiting for someone to admit this is a exaggerated fabrication of what life was really like. I have to admit every time the drunken father shows up I'm reminded of an episode of Family Guy. Plus, I'm curious were did the father go? Am I suppose to feel in awe of this young boy who made something of himself by saving money stolen from an elderly women? Does it make his story more interesting than those who weren't able to escape poverty? I just don't know.... I do want to know what happened when he reached America, but I'm not sure I will read the next one.
"A little long at times; Very quick read at others"
2009-10-26
- Reviewed By User: AEF1TIVJYWM7U
This book shows someone can go through a lot in life, not have much money and deal with some abuse and still turn out OK. The book had many interesting tales of a life I have never known but have heard about. I have known people who had been through some of the same challenges as a child and grew up to be very interesting people as adults. I felt it got a little long in the middle but after a break of a few weeks I was able to pick up the book again and finish it. It did get better in the later pages of the book and I found it hard to put down.
"Couldn't put it down!"
2009-10-16
- Reviewed By User: A2QFGJ0I6Z4IHP
I really enjoyed this book!! It had been on my "to-read" list for awhile; and the passing of Frank McCourt earlier this year reminded me that I wanted to read it. I am very glad that I did! Yes, the book was a tad repetetive (drunk dad drinks away family's money, leaves, repeat); but I was still engagaged the entire read. Yes, the writing was nothing spectacular; but that helped to create the feeling that you were witnessing the story through the eyes of a child. Many reviewers called the book depressing. While McCourt no doubt had a difficult childhood, I did not find the book depressing at all. McCourt frequently injects humor into the story; and there were multiple instances when the goodness of humanity shined through amidst the poverty and despair.
As a teacher, I think that this book could be used in a high school literature class (or even history class...I learned a lot about Irish and Irish-Catholic history from reading this book). The language is accessible to younger readers, but the themes become more mature as McCourt passes through adolescence. It would also be an interesting book club pick. Many interesting discussions could be had about coming of age, poverty, politics, family, and resilience.
I wavered between four and five stars. I ultimately chose four, as the writing itself was not five star quality, and I wished some of the characters had been more fully developed. A recommended book nonetheless!
"VERY GOOD BOOK....VERY MOVING."
2009-09-14
- Reviewed By User: A35FBTN1J2CYRR
This audio book was very good....especially entertaining with the author, Frank McCourt, reading it with his Irish accent. Really got you feeling that you were actually in Ireland. I recommend that you watch the movie after reading the book. The movie was good....left out a few things that were in the book but followed most all of the important stuff that was in it.
"A Humbled Reviewer"
2009-07-25
- Reviewed By User: A1RZ2Z12QSWKDQ
I read this book 12 years ago and reread it again this week after Frank McCourt passed. I am still in awe of it and still tell anyone that it was and will remain the Greatest Story Ever Told! Yes, the Irish are lyrical and have the gift for great prose. The narrative of this memoir is so unique. Nothing short of genius! You should have a soft spot in your heart for your fellow man and not doudt that this tale is true. That would be a tragic belief. Thank you Mr. McCourt for your life and your tremendous contribution to us all and especially your students. They were the lucky ones.
"An inspiring story"
2009-07-20
- Reviewed By User: A1FW6A4FA7P92S
This is a wonderful story about a boy searching for a dream, from a poverty stricken childhood in Ireland to living the American dream.I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to place themselves into a story, sometimes one that we can all relate to.
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"Was hoping for something better"
"Couldn't put it down!"
"A Humbled Reviewer"