Townie in Around the World in 80 Books

Apr 26, 2011 Ellen Librarian rated it it was amazing

I thought this was a terrific book. A beautiful, moving story well told. It's basically about how writing is more sustaining, more enduring and ultimately more powerful than violence and Dubus knows of what he speaks. He had an incredibly violent youth in industrial areas around Massachusetts. After a difficult childhood in a series of tough, tough neighborhoods - where he and his siblings were frequently beaten up and attacked - he fought back by becoming a bodybuilder and boxer.

But violence wa ...more

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Mar 03, 2011 Efe rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2011-challenge, first-reads

I really loved and was moved by this book, especially the third segment. This is the first book by Andre Dubus III that I have read. I saw the movie adaptation of 'House of Sand and Fog', and thought it was so sad that I have never really had the courage to pick up the book.

This memoir however, while it had sad aspects to it was ultimately uplifting. Not in a cheesy Lifetime movie kind of way, but in the sense that one truly gets a feel for how much the events in the author's life have played a ...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Carolyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction, memoir

This guy is a true writer! His past is not so easy-breezy- economically and socially-speaking. So far I am really surprised that he was able to overcome the many challenges of his childhood and become the successful and popular author that he is today. I guess his past adds dimension to his character; the fact he was able to persevere instead of succumbing and being defined by his upbringing is commendable. This book was a very engaging read. Whoever gave it 1 star is crazy, even if his life sto ...more

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