p. 91-180 Response

Dear Reader,
    In the next 90 Angela's Ashes I think I might have come to the conclusion that to me this book is just alright. I'm not a huge fan only because of the way he does not put quotes around dialogue. It makes it a bit more difficult to understand and I have too keep re reading some times.
      What I like about this book so far comes from the very beginning of the section we were supposed to read. I like when one of the man gives them coal, "the man leads us to the coal hole under the stairs and tells us to take what we can carry" (p. 100). I like this because it showed that not all people were complete jerks. It seems that a lot of the people in and around their town are rude. This man have them what they needed and it sort of made me smile a bit.
       I do not understand why the mother keeps having kids. Frank in the story says, "The angel that brought Margaret and the twins comes again and brings us another baby" (p. 102). It reminds me of those shows like 19 Kids and Counting. On that show the mother almost dies yet still tries to have more kids. Why? Why would you do that to yourself and family? I think that if the baby girl and twins passed away don't you think that's a sign that maybe you shouldn't have anymore kids? Plus the father can't even bring home enough money for the kids before this one; why would you jeopardize your families chances of having any food or money by adding another human being to the mix.
       When drank says, "I wish I had something to cry about so that I'd get a piece, too" (p. 104) I laughed. It reminds of me and my sister. I wanted what she got and I can guess that she wanted what I got. It's just common sibling rivalry.
       "Dad gets his first job in Limerick at the cement factory..." (p. 108). This made me think "will he actually keep this job?" The answer was obvious that he was not. This man is a drunk and in reality doesn't give a crap about his job. At the end of this chapter it even says that he loses his job. It upsets me that he doesn't care. I know what it's like for a family to have some one unemployed. But it must have been even worse back then, especially in Ireland.
       I like the part where it says, "(Mikey) Knocks on doors all over limerick to see if there are people who want coal or turf delivered... If he earns a little money he hands it over to his mother..." (p. 114). I thought that was a sweet thing. A boy helping his family out. I felt like maybe everyone should do that. Maybe we don't have to give the money (if we got any) to our parents but just help out. Of course it is not like it was back then but there are so many ways people can help and I think that community service should be a bigger part of peoples lives.
      One part  did not like at all was a lot of when the kids were at school. At one point he says, "He flogs Question across the shoulders, the bottom, the legs" (p. 119). I only could imagine what that would be like, especially in a class room full of your peers. It also frightened me that that was actually done to kids. I don't know how anyone could ever think that was alright.
     I thought that when Frank went to the dance school he had to put his money in a black boys mouth? Am I understanding it right? I didn't get that part one bit! It seemed a bit odd to me in every way possible.
       When Frank said, "I don't want to be Cyril Benson. I want to be Fred Astaire" (p. 143) I felt like I could relate in a way. I have when people compare me to people in my class or my friends. I want to be my own person. That's what I think he means. Frank doesn't want to be just like one of his peers. Though he does want to be like someone that inspires him. I believe a lot of people feel the same way.
     This though goes along with my thoughts on the flogging. When one of the teachers calls Clohessy an idiot I was a bit appalled. I could only imagine what would happen today if a teacher called one of their students an idiot. It makes me realize the difference  between the two time periods. It makes me wonder how Clohessy feels. I wonder if they are used to teachers talking to them in that manner.
      On page 166 I laughed a little when Clohessy's little sister says she's going to tell on him. I can't even count the number of times I've yelled at my sister saying "I'M TELLING MOMMY!" I think for many it brings back that sort of memory. She is like every sibling that has ever been on this earth. It just made me smile when I read that part.
      My most favorite part of these 90 pages was when Frank says, "Mr. Timoney is an old man but he talks to me like a friend and I can say why feel. Dad will never talk to me like Mr. Timoney" (p. 178). I liked that he has someone to talk to.i believe everyone should have at least one person they can talk to about what is going on in their heads. Let me make sort of sad was when Frank says "Dad will never talk to me like Mr. Timoney". Everyone should feel like they can talk to their parents. The fact that Frank can't because of his that drinking problem and attitude towards things is kind of sad.

               Sincerely,
                     Perry