Member since:
June 29, 2006

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

July 24, 2006 12:30 PM EDT

views: 30 | rating: 10/10 (3 votes) | comments: 6

First I have to say that I was told that this book was depressing, so I put off reading it for a very long time. However, I found that even though the main character did live through very tough times, the book was really inspirational.

I don't want to give away too much, but if you want to read a story that tells you what it is like to grow up poor and hungry this is a great book. Personally, I wish I could share it with some spoiled college students that I know. If I were still teaching reading at our local community college, I would make this book required reading. The author goes through the gambit of emotions as he is growing up, but he NEVER gives up.

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Comments: 6

Damian McNicholl Jul 24, 2006, 2:37pm EDT

I enjoyed his memoir and I'm Northern Irish, though he did take a lot of heat about how he portrayed Limerick--particularly from the late actor Richard Harris

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Done...cancelled...gather is not for ME Cancelled Jul 24, 2006, 2:39pm EDT

This book was tragic but beautiful. Definitely worth the read.

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Edward Nudelman Jul 24, 2006, 4:29pm EDT

thanks for the tip, Jeanie. I'll keep my eye open for the book. If Hannah has read it, it must be good!

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Done...cancelled...gather is not for ME Cancelled Jul 24, 2006, 4:31pm EDT

Ed- word!

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Diana Raabe Aug 27, 2006, 7:59pm EDT

Thanks for this! I'll agree it was a well-written book.

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Bernie G. Sep 6, 2006, 5:05pm EDT

I read this book in 1998 and liked it very much. The poverty the narrator described in Ireland was appalling, but is put in some perspective by describing those who are even worse off. I attended a lecture by Frank McCourt about his career as a teacher and this book. He said he was able to write the book when he found the "voice" as himself at 5 years old. By the way, he objected to a performance by an Irish group before his lecture by pointing out that he was an American. When asked for advice on being a teacher he said "Don't get me started" and then "Learn to live simply (cheaply)." I still think about this memoir when I think of overcoming obstacles and about the sad history of Ireland. Interesting that Ireland is prospering now.

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