In a message dated 9/22/99 2:35:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> And, the McCourt book is truly great, and I mean it that it is written in a
>  voice that could be shared by you. [ = a compliment] Promise:  I will
refund
>  purchase price if you don't laugh out loud in the first thirty pages.

Christopher,

No need of a refund. I promise to laugh. In the review that I read what
struck me as most important was an expression that McCourt holds no reserve
against saying what he has to say honestly and openly despite the risk of
offending his Irish heritage, family and friends. As a writer I find this a
difficult place to keep oneself, and probably a reason the Irish are
characterized as being such interesting writers. I am increasingly compelled
to find that place, the "bone", in the process of writing. Having some idea
of McCourt's background, and my own, I am aware of the internal inhibitions
he has had to conquer in order to write truly great.

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