A searing coming-of-age memoir set in an unfamiliar world: Irish South Boston. Michael MacDonald brings us a poor and intensely insular neighbourhood which its residents agree is the "best place in the world". Through his eyes we meet Michael's mini-skirted, accordion-playing mother who, by herself, cares for her ten children through a combination of high spirits and scam. Too soon "Southie" becomes a place controlled by a resident gangster, later revealed to be an informant for the FBI. It is a world primed for the ...
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A searing coming-of-age memoir set in an unfamiliar world: Irish South Boston. Michael MacDonald brings us a poor and intensely insular neighbourhood which its residents agree is the "best place in the world". Through his eyes we meet Michael's mini-skirted, accordion-playing mother who, by herself, cares for her ten children through a combination of high spirits and scam. Too soon "Southie" becomes a place controlled by a resident gangster, later revealed to be an informant for the FBI. It is a world primed for the escalation of class violence, and then, with sickening inevitability, of the racial violence that swirls around Boston's forced bussing in the 1970s. The violence spills into the MacDonald family, so that within a few years four of Michael's siblings lose their lives to drugs and organized crime. All but destroyed by grief and the Southie code that doesn't allow him to feel it, MacDonald gets out. His work as an anti-violence activist is the powerfully redemptive close to his story.
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Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
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Very Good. . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
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Very Good. . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofi t job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
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Good. . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
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Fair. Book is in acceptable condition. May have shelf wear edge wear and spine wear but a very readable copy. May not come with supplemental materials if applicable. Does not include original dustcover jacket. Possibly Ex Library Copy.
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Very Good. Good. All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
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Used book in very good and clean conditions. Minor cosmetic defects may be present. Pages and cover intact. May include library marks notes marks and highlighting. Fast Shipping.
Not the Hollywood version. As a Bostonian, I was ashamed by the busing riots of the 1970s because of the prejudice on display (remember the guy with the flag pole?). Without excusing the racism that fueled those protests, this story explains the broader context. The author's personal journey is inspiring.