It's a Long Way from Penny Apples

by Bill Cullen and Bill Cullen

Book Overview

Tis better to be born lucky than rich.... There are many ways to confront tragedy and hard times. Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt's tragic--and ultimately uplifting--tale of how one man overcame... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765307103
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Forge Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.6" x 1.3" x 6.4"

Customer Reviews

Thank God It's not Angela's Ashes!

If I wanted to read another depressing Irish Childhood story, I'd have re-read Angela's Ashes! (Not to diaparage Angela's Ashes in any way.) I completely enjoyed the story of Liam's family, his upbringing and the hard work necessary to survive in Ireland in those times. I especially enjoyed Mother Darcy. Whether she actually knew Aloyisius Hitler or not isn't the point, it's all in the storytelling. To compare Penny Apples to Angela's Ashes is the old "Apples to Oranges." (Sorry about the pun!) Appreciate the story on it's own merits.

Straight up No Nonsense Story

If you knew Liam personally, you'd have a bit more insight into the personality that wrote this book. He tells a great story, and I'm certain that most of its true :-) I picked up a copy in Dublin last year at a book signing for his second book "Golden Apples." He even bought me a pint after the book signing. I know his family as well, and there are things in this book that give some intersting insight into the path behind them. Its written in a straight up no fluff no nonsense kind of way, and thats the way Liam is. Seosamh

It's a Long Way From Penny Apples

This book is essential for anyone who wants inspiration to succeed in life. Better than any of the more famous business authors, Bill Cullen succeeds in making this book witty and humorous, interesting while tugging at all your emotions, he succeeds in providing entertainment throughout. What is also interesting is his account of the role that strong women played in shaping his personality, his life and his determination to succeed from extremely poor and humble beginnings. Bill Cullen also shows that while he was extremely lucky in life this was largely due to his determination and drive to keep learning and keep trying, never giving up because as the great golfer, Gary Player, used to say "The more I practice, the luckier I get!".Bill Cullen's book can stand for all nationalities as well as all racial and ethnic groups and should be an inspiration for everyone. The beauty about htis book is that the proceeds of the book are selflessly going to charity!!

A must-read!

I just got this book this weekend (got an advance copy to review) and I already finished it. I could not put it down. All the reviews compare it to Angela's Ashes. Both excellent books, but Mr. Cullen's book shows the optimistic side of growing up in Dublin. Sure, his family was poor and they lived in a couple rooms with four or five kids crammed into a bed, but they worked together to get through whatever life threw them and they always were aware of the fact that there were people worse off than them. It's an inspiring rags -to-riches tale, and there's also a lot of history thrown in, mainly through conversations that the main character has with his grandmother. A great book for anyone into their Irish heritage - you get a real feel for what your ancestors experienced. Mr. Cullen grew up in the Summerhill tenements in Dublin and ended up owning the largest Ford dealership in Ireland and now owns a multimillion dollar auto company. This book truly shows that the old adage is true - you can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it. Buy this book, you will NOT be sorry!!