Staff Pick
Is there another memoir so utterly effecting as Angela's Ashes? McCourt's hilarious yet devastating recounting of his Irish Catholic childhood overwhelmed by poverty is in a league by itself. Exploring themes of alcoholism, religious hypocrisy, parenting done both well and poorly, coming of age, both the annoyance and safety of family, the power of stories, the human capacity for suffering, and a scathing condemnation of poverty, McCourt somehow manages to make his heartbreaking story side-splitting as well. I've never read anything that has made me want to simultaneously weep and cackle with uncontrollable laughter more than this book. McCourt's compelling prose will keep you hanging on every word. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com