McCarthy´s Bar

McCarthy´s Bar, written by Pete McCarthy, is a non-fiction travel book. Before reading it, I searched for some reviews and now, as I have finished the book, I must say they were completely misleading. True, it is hilarious and genuine but it is also a personal journey through the homeland of his ancestors. Believing it was entirely about getting involved into enchaining conversations and getting drunk simultaneously in every pub that is called McCarthy´s, I was not prepared for an Author in search of himself. After reading the first hundred pages and he visited only one bar I knew I was to expect something else out of this book. But I was not disappointed. McCarthy´s Bar is very readable due to its funny adventures and the right amount of background information. Unlike JI, it is incredibly fluent with some historical or geographical facts perfectly integrated into the plot. I also enjoyed his type of humour especially when he described German or American tourists. Although he has a deep connection to Ireland I cannot see why he differs himself from 2nd generation Americans. For the natives it probably does not make any differences either. As he was eagerly searching for a sign to show him the way back “home” I really hope he made the decision to take it to the next level. I surely would love to know what happened with him.

Amazon-a new challenge

I could not decide on which book I should read and as it goes all books were sold out. It is also impossible to borrow them from the library. Therefore I tried (for the first time) to buy something over the Internet. Related to this, I have some questions: Is it possible to buy English books at Amazon.de? I found all titles but it took me a while to realise that McCarthy's Bar. Mein ganz persönliches Irland. probably means that it is translated into German. Sometimes it takes me longer... Also I would like to know if it is cheaper to send it to Austria than to Slovenia or if there are any differences whatsoever. Well getting a credit card number is another thing...
Let's see if it really takes only one day!

To be spoilt for choice

Reading is a good way to kill time in long winter evenings and while lying on the beach having a sunbath (at least in my opinion). We can choose between several books all of which the topic is expats. As there are many with a promising story and good reviews I decided to buy more than one. If not earlier, I have something to read during the summer. I've come to the decision to read McCarthy's Bar, A house somewhere and maybe Last of the donkeys pilgrims. Probably I won't manage to read them all but I'll try. So, let's buy them.