This beautiful and touching memoir is not just for music fans of this larger-than-life tenor, but for all of us who face challenges in our daily lives. Ronan so honestly and simply tells the story of his life to date, that you will live through the good times and the bad times with him. You will laugh, cheer, cry and then repeat the cycle. In addition to being a wonderful singer, a doctor, a world-class athlete and an incredible and kind human being, Ronan now adds "writer" to his list of accomplishments. His writing style is so natural and easy to read, that you feel that he is at your shoulder reading the book aloud to you-I could almost hear his voice. His portrayal of the people in his life is very effective. They jump off the page at you as the real people that they are, particularly his beloved father, who now owns a piece of my heart. If you feel in need of inspiration to face any challenges that you may be facing-this is the book to reach for.

Ronan Tynan's life story is one of hardship and perseverance, luck , talent and the loving support of his family. He relates this in a straight forward manner which is easy to read and to visualize. He will have you alternately in tears and holding your sides with laughter. His wonderful sense of humor comes across in every sentence. You can feel in this text his positive attitude toward life and the courage and determination with which he has faced his challenges. Ronan has accomplished many things in his life; record setting athlete, medical doctor and world famous singer. He certainly would leave the Energizer Bunny in his dust!

I enjoyed seeing the pictures of Ronan and his family and friends included in the center of the book. Ronan is the type of person for whom there are no strangers, only friends he has not met.

His journey is only halfway done. I'm sure the days and years to come will provide him with many other stories to share with us in the future.

I can unconditionally recommend this book to you.

"Truly, an inspiring book" - I have seen that phrase on more book jackets than I care to count over the years. Perhaps some were truly inspiring to certain people. This book is universally inspiring. I can't imagine anyone, from any walk of life, not being moved by Ronan Tynan's story.

He may be well-known to many people or a total enigma to others.
In his unpretentious way, he describes his journey from a small
farm in Ireland to become one of the most popular singers of our time. And just to make things interesting, he did it without the use of his lower legs which were, eventually, amputated. Fitted with prostheses of varying quality he became a star disabled athlete, a top-rated equestrian, and picked up a few degrees along the way - physical education, music, and medicine.

He is now known in the great opera houses of the world as a tenor with few peers. To most of us he is known as one of the
Irish Tenors. You simply MUST read his autobiography to really
know the many obstacles he overcame by unwavering determination and faith in himself.

The book is as unpretentious as Dr.Tynan, beautifully written,
and shows you just how good life can be - no matter how many things were against you as you passed through life's starting gate.

My wife and I returned from a trip to Northern Ireland in SEP02 and purchased a copy of Belfast Diary. Simply, Belfast Diary is a book about a journalist from Chicago who rents a room in a home in Belfast to learn more about the Troubles. As mentioned by the other people who submitted reviews about this book, I couldn't put it down. However, I couldn't give this book five stars because I thought it painted a picture of the Troubles as seen from one side of the street. The author traveled to Belfast from Chicago (where each year they turn the river green on St. Patrick's Day), he worked on this book in a rented room in a home located in a Catholic section of Belfast, and he mentions that he is married to a Catholic woman from Northern Ireland. In my opinion, this book would have been much better had it been balanced. There are two sides to every conflict.

Thankfully a lot has changed in Belfast since Mr. Conroy wrote this book about what he experienced while living in the British province. Things have clearly changed for Ulster, which has become one of the up and coming destinations for tourists (as mentioned in Travel Weekly magazine in FEB03). A trip to Northern Ireland is a fascinating educational experience.

For anyone interested in or ignorant of "The Troubles" this book is a must read. Written in a clear, concise and straight forward manner this book gives a brief background of the conflict in Northern Ireland, then provides a "snapshot" of life in the war torn city of Belfast from the a first person point of view/reference. Mr. Conroy must be applauded for having the courage and determination to immerse himself in a part of the world and into a subject, which it seems most (American and British, especially) journalists are unaware...by choice. One can only hope that the concept of "equal justice under law" will be the next permanent "fad" to invade Northern Ireland.

Are you the average American completely confused with the subject on Northern Ireland and "The Troubles"? This is THE book for you. John Conroy writes in easy to understand language with an underlining compassion for the people he is writing about. This book is moving and reads like a novel. I couldn't put it down. If you are interested in this subject, please read it. You will not be disappointed.

I am never dissappointed in a Thoene novel. This Irish series is best of all in my opinion! I love the on going story of Kate and Josheph and all the characters of Ballynockanor. The stories my grandmother told about her childhood in Ireland have really come to life. It is amazing how similar the stories in the Galway Chronicles are to the real life history of many of us Irish Americans! The injustice of l800 Ireland under English rule make me value America all the more in spite of our problems here. Anyway, this is a great read for ANYONE!

This is book number 3 of the Galway Chronicles Series. I did not realize this book was part of a series and read it out of order. However, I went back and read the first two books and the last. I could not put them down. The history that is a backdrop for the novels is fascinating and gives one an understanding of the animosity between the English and the Irish. The characters are so real and the story keeps you on the edge wondering what will happen next. I loved all four of the books.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Galway Chronicles- I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of the next book. I really enjoy historical fiction, and I love anything about Ireland's past, so these books have been such a treat for me. I'm even recommending them to my dad, who strictly reads non-fiction, because I think he would enjoy them immensely. Through all the tragedies and horrors that these characters have experienced, one common theme is evident- God is always there, always protecting, loving, and comforting, even while the world is crashing all around. A sincere thank you to the authors, for conveying such a wonderful message and a terrific story.

Kudos to Ms. Osborne-McKnight on her first novel! In I AM OF IRELAUNDE,the author's love of Ireland and its history shines through her words, evoking a place and time as only a good storyteller could. Osian, son of Fionn Mac Cumhail, leaps from the pages, a Fenian warrior charged with a mission regarding Padraig. Wonderful, magical fantasy. However, as a reader, I had a problem with the character of Padraig/St. Patrick: I didn't like him, and felt that I should. In fact, I believe the novel would have been better served if it told Fionn Mac Cumhail and Osian's story, leaving out the more contemporary story of St. Patrick. Also, although the author thankfully included a glossary with Irish definitions and pronunciations, I still found my reading pace slowed whenever I had to consult the glossary yet again. The editing suffered a bit as well, though through none of the fault of the author. This reader hopes Ms. Osborne-McKnight will continue to spin tales of Tir Nan Og, the Sidhe, and all things Druid. Her gift of storytelling and love of Ireland bode well for Ms. Osborne-McKnight's future as an author. Bail O Dhia ar an obair.

In the interests of full disclosure, I should say that I am a friend of the author, Juilene Osborne-McKnight. As a writer myself, I'm also green with envy at her achievement. She has woven the very human story of a saint, Patrick, into the ancient myths of Ireland. And vice versa. Osian tells these magical legends to Patrick not just for their own sake: they serve a crucial function. Stories, in this book's world, have life-changing power. What I love about this book is the way it conveys a sense of a person's individual destiny, of the meaning behind even the most apparently incongruous events in Patrick's life. But this is all done with a light touch, through the power of story combined with a strong vein of humor: Patrick, a wonderful, irascible character, does not go willingly towards his life's purpose. In this he's thoroughly human and he tells his own story in a unique, even curmudgeonly voice. In this book Patrick and the ancient legends of Ireland are brought together--and brought to life. It's a wonderful read.

If you are at all interested the history of Ireland or the life of Saint Patrick, you will love this book! The author takes the few facts that are actually known about St. Patrick and the Irish legend Finn Mac Cool and from them weaves a lyrical, engaging story. The characters of Patrick and Osian are completely believable and the stories they tell are inspiring and meaningful. The book revisits all the old Irish mythology (like the story of Dhiarmaid & Grainne) and makes it very human and believable. It then adds the struggle of St. Patrick to understand the natives of Ireland and teach them about his God. The stories tie together perfectly, and the book resonates with meaning. I had tears in my eyes at the end of this novel. It's an incredible read.

In the Prologue, the author describes this book as "a phenomenology of friendship in a lyrical-speculative form." That is exactly what it is. It is one of the most compelling and lyrical works that I have read. It describes the "soul-friend" but more significantly it actually suggested the possibility of me becoming my own soul's friend. It is a powerful book, weaving Celtic mystical thought with a very accessible form of approaching self and soul -- all done in a rich, poetic language. It reads very well and John O'Donohue's erudition, poetic language and abiding compassion radiate every page.

This book gave me strength and deep insight at a time when I was searching for both of these. I greatly appreciate this book's contribution to my own understanding of self and highly recommend it to you if, like me, you recognize that you are on a spiritual journey.

Reading this wonderful spiritual book has embedded into my soul all the valuable insights and gifts that these powerful words envelope. I will treasure this book. There are many lessons to be learned about soul and one needs to read over and over again these valuable lessons to digest the depth of this profound celtic wisdom.

I shall use this book as I glide into much celebrated old age and intergrate it's beautiful spiritual power into present moments. Anam Cara states....'Once the soul awakens, the search begins and you can never go back.....the eternal makes your urgent..'

Reading this book has imbedded into my soul all the valuable insights and gifts that these powerful words envelope. i will treasure this book as i do my bible. there are many many lessons to be learned and one needs to read over and over again these valuable lessons to digest the dept of this celtic wisdom.

i shall use this book as i glide into much celebrated old age and intergrate it's beautiful spiritual power into my present moments.

anam cara states..... 'once the soul awakens, the search begins and you can never go back..... the eternal makes you urgent.'

wonderful! :-)

With dexterity and wit, M. Llywelyn brings medieval Ireland to the glory of the modern English language. Taking characters of the Irish sagas, she creates a fleshed-out cast of characters. If you've read Brian Boru's tales before, you'll find this is true to the basic plot. The story is told of all too human men and women thrust into the heroic situation. This was written as if it were a biography of the great hero. Like many of her novels, she paints her hero as a man, first, and a hero second.

Set in roughly the 9th Century, the Danes were settling in Ireland on the east coast; they built cities and were forming settlements. Not all of the Irish kings were happy about this. The Danes put a new skew to the Irish vs. Irish fighting, making it the Irish & the Danes vs. the Danes & the Irish. Brian is called to make more of himself, and eventually tries to gather the Irish to his banner and subdue/evict the Danes. Both sides are out to stop him, for various reasons.

The action will keep you on your seat edge, as will the politicial intrigue going on behind the action.

If you like this, definately find Llyewlyn's other earlier heroic works.

A FLAWLESS READ. Whether you are male or female, 12 years old or 100, a lover or a fighter, a true fan of rich, historlical legends, a die-hard fantasy fan or anything in between, if you read only one more book in your life, read LION OF IRELAND. It is a long, hard, fast-paced, breath-taking, passionate ride through the life of Brian Boru. And as I ride alongside this man through his battles, both horrific and herioc, I find it quite difficult to believe that His actual life could have been more eventful, or more fullfilling. Nor could I imagine it any less. If you read this book, and are of Irish descent, you will never feel more proud than after you read this book. If you aren't Irish, you will certainly find yourself longing to be. This tale fed my obsession with Irish lore, and Ireland Herself. I can only hope to achieve this quality of writing, and for once in my life, was more than happy to just sit back on the sidelines and read. Again and again. Thank you, M.L.

Someone please tell me that there is a movie producer out there somewhere with enough sense to realize that the story of Brian Boru is worth being told.

I read this book about 6 months before Braveheart came out at the theaters. I don't want to take anything away from Mel Gibson's acting and directing abilities, but the whole time I sat in the theater watching Braveheart I kept thinking to myself that this movie was not nearly as captivating as THE LION OF IRELAND. The similarities were there, but that only made me long for the pages of THE LION OF IRELAND only more than ever.

Brian Boru was the kind of leader born of warrior stock whose presence demanded respect and reverance. He was the type of leader who if he only asked, his followers would follow him through a wall of fire and come out on the other side victorious!

Read this book! Not one person who has read this book and reviewed it has given it less than 5 stars!

If you are a fan of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, then this book is something you probably can't wait to read. If you are a poor soul who has never sat down and listened to "Live at Carnegie Hall"...well you'd better get busy. You have a lot of reading and listening to do, and I envy you for it. This book is simply beautiful to read. Mr. Clancy has the Irish way with words in the truest sense, and its a wonder he waited so long to begin a literary career (I always enjoyed his liner notes!) The story of his life and career is well worth reading to fans of his music and to fans of good memoir writing as well. Read this book and you will feel as though Mr. Clancy is speaking only to you. He evokes memories of family, home, and childhood with amazing grace and ease. In addition, be sure to get the reissue of his solo album "Liam Clancy" which is availble from this site. God bless the Clancy Brothers!

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AWARD

Audio: Listen Up Awards 2002Audio: Listen Up Awards 2002
By Lynn Andriani and Shannon Maughan -- 1/6/2003

NONFICTION

THE MOUNTAIN OF THE WOMEN: Memoirs of an Irish Troubadour by Liam Clancy, read by the author (Random House Audio). Irish folk musician Clancy masterfully recounts more than "40 years of acting, singing and great foolishness" with a powerful, melodic voice and guileless magnetism.

Liam Clancy portrays a poignant, honest, and sometimes irreverent portrait of the life of a young man growing up in the Ireland of the 40s and 50s. His prose is as lyrical as his music, sprinkled with laughter and pathos.

I read, and understood his struggle living in a country of which he said had one foot in the twentieth century and the other in the Middle Ages. From provincial Ireland to the fast pace of New York's Greenwich Village in an era of coffee houses, folk singers, booze and (Playboy) bunnies, the multi-talented Liam Clancy comes out a survivor, unapologetic and charming.

My only problem with this book is that it ended too soon.

Will we be treated to a sequel, Mr. Clancy?

Flanagan pulls the reader into the book immediately with an anecdote that involves Bono in his underwear, German reunification, & angry homeowners. It only gets better from there. Rock n roll biographies are a dime a dozen, but this book belongs in a category all by itself, primarily because it's actually well-written--EXTREMELY well written! Whether you're a U2 fan or not, you'll have to appreciate Flanagan's ability to turn a phrase, vividly describe a scene, or just seemingly be in the right place at the right time to see something really incredible. You'll experience firsthand U2 in the studio, on the road, & after hours. Flanagan had seemingly unlimited access to the band, resulting in a book so revealing, it's amazing U2 let it get out! If you're a U2 fan, this read will be a revelatory experience. If you're not, you'll probably find yourself down at the local record store buying U2 CDs before you've even finished reading

I bought this book in 1995, saw you can write reviews, and I thought so much of this book couldn't resist. It is one of 'the books' to read on this band. I have read it twice from cover to cover as I not only enjoyed getting to know the guys on a personal level (especially Bono who I totally respect) but it is really funny, why the media portrays U2 as a band that takes themselves so seriously I would not know, they are guys with such a balanced view of the world knowing when to laugh and when to cry. Bill's writing is infectious and like other good reviews I agree 'could not put it down' read it three days.

"U2 at the End of the World" is, I suspect, a book you would enjoy even if you were not a U2 fan, or just a casual fan. It's funny and entertaining but still manages to keep intact the integrity of all the people involved. You don't ever feel duped here, that this is some publicity stunt or you're not getting the whole story. I found it interesting to read the author's note at the end, where he seems genuinely grateful for this 3-year journey with a band that had every right and opportunity to make him feel an outsider, but instead embraced him. I came off reading it with a new appreciation for not only U2 but the music industry as well, a new appreciation for the trials and celebrations that make up their world. It's a tough life, but U2 have found their understanding of it. The book is especially helpful to Bono, as someone with only a vague idea of his public image can get a very skewed impression of him. He's a lot more human and funny than you expect- and also a lot more brave. He's still got the ego, but is redeemed by his strong beliefs, and finally he comes off as just as confused, vibrant, and driven as the rest of us. What a relief!

Alice Starmore's Aran Knitting provides everything I want in a knitting book and more! Aside from beautiful patterns and clear directions (no worries about finding out that the pattern doesn't make sense half-way through the project), the book is filled with beautiful pictures, shot on location in the Aran Islands, and wonderful stories of the history of Aran knitting. I couldn't put it down! Ms. Starmore's patterns are both challenging and interesting. I am currently knitting the sweater "Irish Moss" (page 122); it is definitely the most fulfilling project I have even undertaken. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone who knows the basics of knitting and is looking for a good challenge.

Alice Starmore has completely outdone herself with this book. She takes knitters on an intellectual journey through the origins of Aran knitting, she then takes you step-by-step through the design elements which are used and frees the adventerous to do their own design and she completes the book with stunning patterns suitable for all levels of knitters. The beginning of the book is devoted to making a compelling argument for a cataclysmic knitting event which shaped this style of work. Based on her historical research she argues that Aran knitting was the result of a single, extra- ordinarilly talented, knitter, probably from Scotland or strongly influenced by Scottish knitting. Given the level of communication available at the time, the fact that this unnamed knitter didn't achieve notice outside of her local area is not too surprising. Also, considering the inspiration many of us have felt from Elizabeth Zimmerman and Kaffe Fasset (to name only two), the idea that a single creative person's influence could be so powerful is not surprising. She lacked only today's publishing and technology to become a household name. In the middle section Starmore takes us through a series of lessons on the construction of cables, their variety and myriad possibilities. Experienced and/or adventerous knitters can then embark on a project completely assured of success. Every tool you might need is there in one place. For those who prefer, in the final section of the book, there are a number of simply exquisite complete patterns for items ranging from hats, pullovers (jumpers) for women, men and children, to shawls. The items are photographed extremely well and it is always possible to see a closeup of stitch detail, something that is not always done well with colored knitting. I would advise knitters to run to reserve/buy this book - it's not going to make it to the remainder table and is well worth even the pricy $39.95 retail sticker (of course, Amazon will do somewhat better I'm sure).

Alice Starmore's intelligence, thoroughness and scholarship have always impressed me, and they do once again in this book. She provides a fascinating history of Aran knitting, that she herself has researched from original sources. Her theories about the origins of Aran patterns make sense. They are intriguing. But the best part of this book is the author's passion for her subject and her wonderful sweater designs. The knitted garments in beautiful photographs are a bit clearer to see in this book than in previous books by Starmore. I wanted to start knitting as soon as I put down the book, and I'll never knit or look at an Aran sweater the same way again

Bodie Thoene convinced me fifteen years ago that there was hope for Christian fiction. The Zion Chronicles and Covenant are some of the most memorable books I've read--and I've read numerous volumes, secular and Christian. Unfortunately, I've found something missing in her last few novels. Where's that loving feeling, that passion that overwhelmed her stories in the past? She has not lost the desire to communicate the hope of God for the hopeless--whether Jews, African-Americans, Irish, etc--but the method has become formulaic. Please, don't be put off by my remarks, reader or author...The Thoenes are exceptional writers. But I believe it's time to stretch, to put new wine in new wineskins, and pour out the intoxicating possibilities so evident within the artful writing. The Galway Chronicles are heartfelt, if not harder to get into, and I'll read them all; I'm waiting, though, for that loving feeling to return. I know it's there. The Thoenes are some of the best going.

I have read most of the Zion Covenent Series also written by the Thoene's and greatly enjoyed it. When I came across this book I expected to enjoy it very much. I must say I was slightly disappointed because I found the book hard to get into. For me a five star book is one I just can't put down and read quickly. As for Only the River Runs Free, it took me forever to get very interested in the story. I still have to give the book four stars though because it left me wondering what will happen to all the people in the story, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series

I eagerly devoured all four of the Galway Chronicles novels! I have to say this story is touched my heart deeper than any other. Each book gave me fresh new insight into the hearts and lives of my Irish ancestors. The series defined Irish history and 'The Troubles' like nothing I have ever read. The writing is emotionally powerful, incredibly skilled and intelligent in presentation. It is brim full of their evident passion for the people and the times they portray. Brock and Bodie Thoene are authors for our time! Fifty years from now people will still be reading and marveling over their work. They are the best historical novelists of their generation. Compared to the Galway Chronicles and their Zion and Shiloh books all else pales.