"Angela's Ashes" - Frank McCourt

Published in 1996 by Scribner

When I was 11 or 12 I read this book and thought it was the best thing ever, so rereading it and actually still enjoying it was a true treat!  Admittedly, the parts I remember most vividly aren't really huge story points and probably just stuck in my young mind most because they were my first introduction to some grown up themes.

"Angela's Ashes" is the story of Frankie McCourt and his life from age 1-20, growing up first in New York, then in Ireland, and his final journey back to America.  Like many memoirs, there is a drunk father and a sick mother, but it is his writing style that makes it interesting and colorful instead of sad and melodramatic.  I was swept up with his sentences, reading in an accent in my head, and incapable of putting the book down even at 2 am before I had a morning shift.

While at times sad (the gains and losses of his siblings) it is also a funny, compelling and heartwarming (at times) tale of growing up and being forced to take responsibility for himself and his family at a young age.

Still one of my favorites.

Rating: ****

"A Wolf at the Table" - Augusten Burroughs

Published in 2008 by Island Road, LLC

Whoa, I seem to read books of a theme around the same time so reading this right after Robison was a strange treat! While Burroughs is known for his comedic timing and sometimes uncomfortable short stories, this was completely different than any of his work.

"A Wolf..." is the story of his relationship with his father. A man so dark and twisted he makes Meredith Grey look like the poster child for normal home life. While the book would have been a riveting read no matter what, it was exceptionally eery to read about some of the same experiences in the books of the brothers told from completely different perspectives.

Robison was raised by parents during their happy period and their downward spiral into unhappiness where Burroughs writes of parents who were already in the throes of alcoholism, mental breaks, and cruel games.  As a child, he yearns to be close to his father even though every attempt at personal contact is met with repulsion.  It isn't until his father has terrorized his mother, killed his pets, and alienated him entirely, that a still young Augusten realizes that there is something missing in his father.  A vital piece of humanity that just isn't there.

Rating: ***