I don’t get a chance to read much but when I do, I like it to be a book that is real. My friend Mary who is Irish, gave me this book recently and thought I would like it. it came highly recommended. I am only into the second chapter, but far enough to know I LOVE it and that it is fabulous! Here’s a quick review someone wrote about it:
Michael Patrick MacDonald grew up in "the best place in the world"--the Old Colony projects of South Boston--where 85% of the residents collect welfare in an area with the highest concentration of impoverished whites in the U.S. In All Souls, MacDonald takes us deep into the secret heart of Southie. With radiant insight, he opens up a contradictory world, where residents are besieged by gangs and crime but refuse to admit any problems, remaining fiercely loyal to their community. MacDonald also introduces us to the unforgettable people who inhabit this proud neighborhood. We meet his mother, Ma MacDonald, an accordion-playing, spiked-heel-wearing, indomitable mother to all; Whitey Bulger, the lord of Southie, gangster and father figure, protector and punisher; and Michael's beloved siblings, nearly half of whom were lost forever to drugs, murder, or suicide. By turns explosive and touching, All Souls ultimately shares a powerful message of hope, renewal, and redemption.
My mother and father in law are Irish as well and I immediately called them to tell them of this book. They both downloaded it onto their touchpad and I pad. It was purchased through Amazon I believe for just over a dollar….good deal! it was written a few years ago and they are talking about a movie. Michael has also written another book that follows this called Easter Rising. His stories are riveting and all true. A bit like Angela's Ashes if you’ve ever read that….but more up to date. Great story!!!….thought I’d share……