A Long Stone's Throw by Alphie McCourt
The youngest of the McCourt brothers.
First there was 'Angela's Ash's and other books by Frank McCourt. Then his brother Malachy with the book "And a Monk Swimming". Now the youngest of the McCourt brothers, Alphie has written a book.
Not many years after his brothers move to New York City from Ireland, Alphie and his mother followed. We hear about his family, this time from Alphie's perspective but much the same as what his brothers describe. Then we hear about his life.
Alphie didn't have the same luck in life as his brothers had. He went from dead-end job to the other throughout his life. He also battled alcoholism. Things looked up for awhile when he owned a restaurant, but that eventually went bankrupt.
He does share one talent with his brother's and that is writing. He shared songs, stories and poems throughout his story, which were enhanced by the audio version of the is book as he sang the songs. Not that he's a great singer, but you get to hear them they way they were meant to be heard. A bit of the books got repetative so it could have used a bit more editing.
Alphie McCourt's story is honest, funny, and sad. I hope his writing is the start in a new and better chapter in his life!
Recommended.
3.5/5
Thank you to Anna Balasi of Hachette Books for a copy of this audiobook!
Posts
I just loved his accent!
Anonymous said... February 6, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Me too! I thought his singing was charming.
Teddy Rose said... February 6, 2009 at 7:43 PM
I had no idea the other McCourts wrote. Thanks for that!
John Mutford said... February 6, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Sure John!
Teddy Rose said... February 6, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Nice review. I may get to it one of these days, but not this year.
Beth F said... February 7, 2009 at 8:01 AM
Beth, it's worthwhile but it's not a rush out to get right this second read.
Teddy Rose said... February 7, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Great review Teddy. I'd love to listen to this one. I really enjoyed Angela's Ashes.
Darlene said... February 8, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Dar, it's not as good as Angeala's Ashes (IMO) but it is worthwhile.
Teddy Rose said... February 8, 2009 at 10:29 PM
That's so cool!
(How did I miss this? I had no idea Alphie had written a book, too.)
Thanks for mentioning this book :D Off to get a copy!
Anonymous said... February 15, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I hope you enjoy it fashion-piranha!
Teddy Rose said... February 15, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Teddy, I'm one of the few who don't like the earlier McCourt's books, so this doesn't tempt me despite your excellent reviewing! Glad you enjoyed it, tho!
Katknit said... February 28, 2009 at 7:29 AM
Thanks Linda!
Teddy Rose said... February 28, 2009 at 10:11 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed the other McCourts' books, but I haven't sampled this one yet. Sounds great.
Linda in New York said... March 3, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Linda, I am giving away a copy of it this week.
Teddy Rose said... March 3, 2009 at 8:50 PM
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