Customer Reviews

The Unoriginal Sinner and the Ice-Cream God (Loyola Classics)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just received a hardcopy of the original book from a used bookseller...Over the years I've read and reread this book and purchased every copy that I've happened to come across. I usually end up giving my copies away to others. This is the coming of age story of a young boy named Conroy and his discovery of what life really is, and what life really means or should mean. Conroy questions his Catholic teachers and nuns (and no, you don't have to be Catholic to understand or even be interested in his story). Luckily, along the way Conroy finds someone who really understands what life is all about. It's through Conroy's life and his relationship with "Caepan" through which we laugh, think, and cry. This book gets to me every time. If you ever own only one book, trust me, this is the book.

It's about time that this novel has been reprinted. I bought this book about 25 years ago. In that time, I've read it about 15 times. I cry every time I get to the last chapter. Do yourself a favor. When you buy this book, and you will, buy all of the others in the series. You can't go wrong.

I read this book when it first came out, and I've re-read it several times since. It never fails to touch me with its innocence, humanity, and humor. If John Powers were my neighbor, I'd bring him a homemade pie!

This is a book that I have read at least 5 times, and I have purchased many times for friends and family. I feel like I want everyone I know to own a copy of this book. Its a fantastic, heart warming, and touching story, that has some wonderful messages about life. Everyone I have passed it onto feel the same way I do about it. I just love the letters from "God" - our beloved gas station attendant who really knows life and how to live it. I wish there were more books out there like this one.

I first read this book when I was about seventeen. Conroy reminded me of myself in many ways. I could easily identify with many of the situations he faced. John Powers is an amazing author. As I read, I would find myself laughing my head off in one instance, and crying my eyes out a half dozen pages later...especially the last page of the book. I have looked for this book at flea markets and yard sales for many years.I am going to purchase a copy, and highly recommend it. I agree it should be required reading. I have read hundreds of books of all types. Never has a book touched me as this one did. I love it !

Unforgettable story. I first read this when I was 21, when it first came out. I still have the copy... worn, stained, well read. It's "lessons" are more powerful now that I've aged 30 years! Regardless of your religion or lack thereof this book is a keeper!!

This book is just a fabulous read. I have always loved the premise of this book. I just like the idea of God actually answering questions. The book is both funny and thoughtful-I'd recommend this book to anyone.

Having grown up in the Chicagoland area there was so much in the book that I could relate to. This book makes me laugh out loud. John Powers has such a wonderful knack for writing about everyday events in the most humorous way. This story about Conroy and his coming of age in Chicago is funny and also very touching with a suprise ending. I have read and reread this book dozens of times and it still makes me laugh and also ponder the meaning of life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a book with exceptional humor while delivering a very important message about life.

I stumbled on this book in my HS library, read it til the cover fell off and the pages fell out, then went and tried, for almost 2 years, to find another copy. I love it. The satire. The wit, or lack thereof. Everytime i get to the last page, i bawl like a git. I found this book 900% better than "black patent.." I've made all my friends read it. Even being female, I can identify with Conroy. Read it, then read it again, then go back and hilight your favorite parts... I did

I found this book on a discount table at a local book store. I paid probably less than a dollar for it but it is near priceless to me now. I read it for the first time in 1991 and it came back to mind earlier this year with the passing of my grandmother.

I remembered in particular the opening scene where Conroy is at his great uncle's funeral. A book that can get you laughing about something so serious as a funeral is a book worth remembering and rereading.

But not only is this book a great source of comic relief, it is also insightful into the stress of growing up. Such as having to make decisions when you don't know what you need to decide.

It's too bad that this book is out of print. It should be required reading. A true classic.