Books

The River of Doubt

Millard tells the story of TR’s ill fated trip into the Amazon.

The story itself is great. The book is full of interesting characters. But the storytelling does justice to neither, and the book falls flat.

It’s at its best just reciting a litany of jungle horrors.

Two stars for its class.

Angela’s Ashes

Frank McCourt tells the story of growing up in a poor, dysfunctional family in Brooklyn and Limerick. 

The author’s grace, humor, and empathy elevate this book above the standard crop of poverty porn memoirs, even those that share its S tier writing and storytelling. 

It’s mystifying to me how someone could so effectively convey that much pathos, despite having clearly matured and recovered so completely. 

But somehow he manages to, and the result for the reader is that you feel McCourt’s pain deeply, but without the emotional hangover that often accompanies this type of book. 

I think part of it is that the Irish as a culture are especially well equipped to process sadness and misery. But there’s something singular about McCourt, even in that cultural context. 

Your heart breaks as you see Frank coming to understand his dad’s “odd manner,” but you don’t feel like offing yourself after. 

The audiobook is read by McCourt, strongly recommended.

Five stars, a masterpiece.