Bill Cullen

The very first thing about this book is the quote on the front cover:
"Penny Apples is a book I just couldn't put down! Finally we get to read a story of inspiration to counterbalance the exquisite pain in Angela's Ashes. I cheered the courage and spirit that flowed from these recollections." ~ Dr. Denis Waitley
I'm very sorry that Dr. Denis Waitley felt this was the way to praise the book in hand. It immediately rubbed me the wrong way. Angela's Ashes deserves the acclaim it has received, it is an exquisite book, magnificently written and it touched me deeply the summer I read it. So, I started off reading with a little defensive feeling in me.
For many pages I was feeling forgiving. This is a good story in the beginning, told with a depth and breadth of details that bring you right to the authentic moment, very human, and spanning pivotal moments in the bigger picture. The people (can't call them characters, they are real and you feel that) are quirky enough to know them, care for them...the elder generations obviously strong and determined but set apart as the times change. The deeper into the book I got though, or perhaps it was when I was coming out of the center, I started to feel the "inspiration"...oh, yes, that's what it is...the "look where I came from, how hard I worked and how much money I earned" story. UGH. I despise those stories usually. I will give the author credit that he stayed a good human it appears...visited his family and was generous but I have the distinct feeling that some parts got left out in order to fit in all the details about how hard he worked, how many hours he put in, how many accolades he received.
It's a Long Way from Penny Apples is really a good story, and it's worth the read for the details about food and traditions and creative ways of making it through tough spots but don't be expecting another Angela's Ashes.… (mere)