McCarthy's Bar: A Journey of Discovery in Ireland

Fun, funny and fabulous...

Pete MaCarthy's writing style is one that makes the reader feel like you know him and by the end of the book, he has become a friend. I enjoyed reading every word of this book and even laughed out loud at some of the descriptions of people and his observations. His sense of humor is deadpan which I just can't get enough of. After reading this book, I am now inspired more than before to make it to Ireland sooner than later. I loved it!

Rather interesting at first...

...then it kind of fell flat. When I read the first paragraph, I thought the book was going to be entertaining and insightful. After reading just a few chapters, I became, honestly, bored with it. The humor generated in those few chapters at times seemed dry and pointless. Even skipping about the book, it reminded me of a bland, dry steak. Although it did had its moments (when the author talked about the many pints of Guinness he drank), it still didn't move me in any way. Not even to laugh when I was reading the funny bits.

I wouldn't recommend this book as the type that would stimulate your imagination and give you a few good joke lines to throw about.

This is a must read

I read a lot and I am a demanding reader and critic, so when I give a high rating it really counts. McCarthy's Bar is right up there at the top. Amazing for a first book, for any book - language, comedy, humanity, timing. As a third generation Irish atheist it hit all the right notes square in the centre. I was deeply saddened to read that Pete died at 51 - our loss. What wonderful books he would have written, how many souls (?) he would have touched, what a laugh he would give us all.

A Great Travel Companion

McCarthy's Bar is one of the best books of this genre I've ever read. This is more than just a travel book. It has a soul.

great read-especially if you have been to IRL

If you are Irish or have ever been there you will appreciate the humour of this great writer as he travels around the south and up through the west. He seems to have stumbled on all the idiosynchrasies that make Ireland and the Irish so unique.His untimely death in Oct 04 is a great loss. Slainte Pete

A great , glorious book

This is a very funny book that would be a great read for anybody who is Irish or is forced to hang around with them. He is very funny writer and the book is highly entertaining all the way through.

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