Genealogy Books - Angela's Ashes

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Summary: The best piece of literature I've ever come across
Comment: Angela's Ashes was so amazing i dont kno where to start. This memoir was beautifully written. I
laughed with Frank, and cried for him. Unfortunatly after reading this book i stopped reading in
general because i was unable to find anything topping Angela's Ashes. This is a must read for all
mature readers.

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Summary: Angela's Ashes
Comment: Angela's Ashes is a novel based on the misfortunes of Frank McCourt's childhood through early
adulthood. McCourt narrates his poverty filled childhood in Ireland. Angela's Ashes became popular
because of the way McCourt told his story. The book is full of humor accompanied by the horror, and
is told in an emotional, vivid manner. McCourt's life begins in Brooklyn. His family is penniless,
and moves back to Ireland, where he spends the rest of his childhood with his mother's family.
Angela, the mother, is the backbone of the family. But even at home, Angela's family rejects her
because of her marriage to Malachy. Malachy is from the Protestant North, while Angela's family is
from the South. Also, Malachy is not able to hold a job, and frequently spends any money he earns on
alcohol.
Young Frank can do little but sit back and watch as his family moves around and
siblings die. As he ages, he begins to realize the situation he is in. The overall mood is
distinguished by the dark settings. Every house the McCourts live in is in shambles. It is
constantly raining. They were forced to beg for food and other necessities because they were unable
to financially provide for their family. Frank endured poverty and starvation with only strength and
his optimism on life. His schoolmates teased him about his ragged clothes. Through all the
loneliness, McCourt manages to instill a ray of hope.
Frank and his brothers and friends manage
to find humor and hope despite of all their troubles. For instance, when the boys were playing
outside, McCourt stated that the women stand because, all they do is take care of the children,
clean the house, and cook. But, the men sit because they spend their time discussing the problems of
the world and wondering what to do with the rest of the day (107).This is a humorous, almost
satirical look at the traditional male-female roles in a family. His unconditional love for his
father starts to be uncertain. Here, Frank decides that he will do what he can to escape this
poverty and leave for America when he is able to do so. By the time Frank reaches his teenage years,
he is the man of the house, and his dreams of going to America are closer than ever.
Through
perseverance and determination he eventually raises enough money to travel to America and break free
from his depressing childhood. Frank learned to depend upon no one but himself, and with willpower
he was able to achieve what he had dreamed of for so long. Frank is a bright student, and realizes
that he can rise above the poverty and better himself somehow. Angela's Ashes is an inspiring novel
with descriptive images that help to shape his fascinating tale from hardship to victory.

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Summary: Angela's Ashes
Comment: Angela's Ashes is a beautifully tragic book. Frank McCourt's style of writing is unique and fresh.
His ability to remember such detail from his childhood gives the book added depth and emotion. The
hardships and sufferings he endured as a child humble the reader. Just from reading his remarkable
story, I have come to realize how fortunate I am. The book serves as a wake-up call for those who
take simple luxeries, like clean bathrooms and electricity, for granted. This book deserves the
Pulitzer Prize and whatever awards that are avaliable. My praise to Frank McCourt for this classic.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Creme de la Creme
Comment: Angela's Ashes, a memoir written by Frank McCourt, is a stirring tale about a young boy's venture
into manhood. "Michael... is only five, and won't understand anything until he is eleven like me."
(McCourt, 225) The main character, Frank, takes on the role as man of the house since his dad has
left to join the army and he is the eldest of kin. Even though he is only eleven, he considers
himself a man like his father. "The doctor says [to me], Run along, be a man..." (McCourt, 227) In
this quote, Frank has just seen a doctor because he has an eye infection, and the doctor drips an
unknown, burning-sensation liquid into his eyes. He is proud that people who do not even know him,
consider him worthy to be a man. I give this book five stars because it is so truthful, you are able
to relate to it, and it is not sugar- coated.

Customer Rating:

Summary: One of the best!
Comment: This is one of the best books I ever read. Right from the beginning I was laughing.. then crying
and repeating that throughout the whole book.
I guarantee you'll laugh out loud many times,
especially if you are/were a Catholic. The "Holy Toast" had me laughing for quite a
while.
Sometimes it's hard to imagine a life as difficult as what he lived. Having nothing to
eat, or eating a sheeps head for dinner. The living conditions I think were almost worse. Bug
filled beds, flooded houses or living behind a communal loo. This is one of the few books that I
can read more than once and still enjoy it as much as the first time.

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