Genealogy Books - Angela's Ashes

Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating:

Summary: Incredible Storyteller
Comment: Frank McCourt's book is the most sensitive and honest memoirs I have read to date. McCourt does not
pine for the reader's sympathy, but instead writes his memories as a child in a very matter-of-fact
style. He is a boy who knows no other life, and is making the best of what he does know. A boy who
loves his family and friends despite their many shortcomings. A boy who finds happiness and joy in
the simple things in life. From this, we (especially Americans) can all learn a lot. Because McCourt
wrote in this style, at times, I found myself on the brink of sadness, laughter, embarrassment and
anger at the same moment. How could a boy write so lovingly about a father so neglectful of his
family? How was he able to find any humor in the midst of such suffering? The answers to these
elements are what make Frank McCourt's writing so meaningful.

I must admit that for
the first part of the book I had trouble understanding why McCourt's writing was so fragmented. But
as I continued to read, I actually felt myself entering mid-twentieth century Ireland, one with its
people and culture. At that point, I realized that this was the way the book had to be written for
the reader to truly live the experience. I chuckled to myself for ever doubting McCourt's style.

In conclusion, even if you are unable to glean the bits of humanity from Angela's
Ashes, it is still definitely worth the read for the sensational storytelling alone. I look forward
to reading the other books in McCourt's repertoire.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Astonishing Memoir
Comment: This memoir is one of the most captivitating stories I have yet to encounter. In it, Frank tells
the story of his childhood in Ireland with an alcoholic father, dying siblings, poverty, and a
mother with her own problems. The degree of hardship will tug on anyone's heart and encourage with
Frank's constant hope for something better.

However, what I found most refreshing
about this memoir was Frank McCourt's earliest memories of his childhood. He manages to convey
these memories exactly how I imagine a child would view them. It almost seems as if he started
writing this at the age of three. Although I cannot relate to the abject poverty and hardship the
author experienced, I find myself relating to the child he portrays. Mr. McCourt reminds us all of
those quirky behaviors and thought patterns that we all experience as a child.

I
wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Does anyone have a tissue?
Comment: This book is very good but very sad. Excellent writing, but eveyone just keeps dying--it's
unbelievable. It really shows you how difficult life was back in the day. It makes you count your
blessings that we live now and not then. Definately worth a read. Frank Mc Court is a very
talented writer.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Great find
Comment: Found this today at the annual library sale for $1 and now that I have read the reviews on Amazon I
am anxious to read it.

Customer Rating:

Summary: If you like Angela's Ashes, you'll love...
Comment: I read Angela's Ashes in less than two days. I read another book, America Hates Me but I still Love
Her in less than a day. That book, by Umut Ozturk, is another autobiography. Like Angela's Ashes,
it's a tale of a young boy growing into a man in a world he doesn't always understand. Both of
these books are now two of my favorites.

Back to Angela's Ashes

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