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Summary: What makes the American Irish "tick"
Review: Normally I regard sociological studies as palatable as a tongue depressor. However, this is rivetting, readable, and entertaining. Clearly my interest was piqued because it explores in comprehensive detail my ethnic group. The American Irish (or Irish Americans) will find this a very compelling and satisfying read.The book studies the Irish diaspora in the various areas of this vast country and points out how the different locations and parallel immigrations resulted in American Irish of significantly varying success, acclimation, and temperment (e.g.: San Francisco v. Chicago v. NY v. Boston). However, regardless of their differing opportunities Denzell notes the seemingly subtle but enduring culture and driving forces which endure among the American Irish -- such as a reluctance to feel secure with material success, gregariousness, and restrained demonstration of emotion. What is perhaps most interesting is that Denzell points out how most Americans, and even the American Irish, are unaware of any specifically Irish American cultural patterns,though they are pervasive and inescapable, if seemingly oblique. Reading this book I came to understand the motivations for my own behavior much better. Heretofore I thought they were simply the quirks of my own family; reading Denzell one is struck by the strength of these historic roots. While the book describes us, warts and all, it leaves the American Irish reader with a satisfying sense of comfort and pride (not that we'd ever publicly admit it).
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Summary: Understanding the Irish-American Culture
Review: This book is a wonderful addition to understanding the Irish-American culture. Charles Morris' book on the American Catholic Church pointed to the influence of the Irish in the design and structure of the Church in the United States. Ms. Dezell, however, goes futher in exploring the culture of the community, separate from its religious identity --- although, as she notes, separating the two is all but impossible. Like most books written by journalists, the writing is effortless and a pleasure to read. In fact, I read through the entire book over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, which was rather appropriate. Having been raised in an Irish-American family, I kept finding myself amazed at the personal characteristics I have that, in all liklihood, are the product of the culture --- and not traits I have developed independently. And they are not the typical stereotypical Irish traits --- drinking, gift of the gab (although that one is pretty close); rather they are characteristics that you would not necessarily contribute to a cultural upbring. For example, the view of money in the culture --- as being simply a means to an end, the humility of the people and, my personal favorite, the continued belief that everything could all go wrong so quickly. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the role that being Irish plays in your development and philosophy, and also for anyone interested in understanding the uniqueness of the Irish American culture.
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Summary: I am Irish American
Review: This book proved to me what I am. It's very, very strange to read about yourself/find yourself in a book written by a complete stranger who lives across the country from you. The difference, and the ONLY difference between the subject of the book and myself is that half of my half-Irishness is Anglo-Irish and the other half is Irish Catholic. However, if you've read this book, you know me and my family. No, I don't drink, but I am the daughter of a CIA. I love drama, hate poetry. Since I'm female, I try to take care of everything, that's the way it is. My mother's that way, her mother was that way, my father's mother was that way... You probably get the picture right now without further explanation. The fact is this: I AM IRISH-AMERICAN. Want to know more, read the book. PS there are NO swollen heads in my family, and I have never forgotten where I come from.
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