Murphy's skillful storytelling and optimistic spirit give even the grimmest moments of her difficult life story levity in this hopeful, spunky sister to Angela's Ashes."- Publishers Weekly Maura Murphy's memoir of life in Ireland and beyond resonates with the people, places, and struggles of an almost forgotten generation. Born "chronically ugly and cross as a briar" into a poor, rural homestead in 1920s Ireland, Maura faced adversity from birth. She grew up in the bogs of the Irish countryside and left school at fourteen for Dublin, working in service there until her marriage to a hardworking but hard-drinking womanizer. Poverty stricken and hoping to find a better life for her five young children, she left Ireland with her family for 1950s Birmingham, England. But life doesn't always change when places do, and Maura's fear that she'd be "waked" at Doyles bar upon her death is funny but dead serious. Her voice is feisty and fearless, and she needed to be all those things to survive an extraordinary series of privations and abuses. And now, seventy-five and having survived her childhood, recovered from cancer, and left her marriage of fifty years, Maura has finally recorded the story of her life. Don't Wake Me at Doyles is the compelling account of a life set against by bad odds and worse luck: a memoir of survival and success in the face of the limits of class, education, nationality, religion, gender, and even health. A fearlessly honest writer, Maura invites us into her world, through her destructive marriage, and the birth of her nine children, and towards a life-or-death choice that would change her forever. Told with biting wit, Don't Wake Me at Doyles is a personal story of one woman's endurance, and the remarkable memoir of an ordinary woman's extraordinary life.
When seventy-year-old Maura Murphy discovered she had cancer, she left her husband of fifty years and started writing her memoirs. Born 'chronically ugly and as cross as a briar' into a poor rural homestead in 1920s Ireland, Maura lived much of her adult life in England, where she raised nine children and fought to keep together a family ravaged by poverty and alcohol. The voice of a silent generation of an immigrant-Irish underclass, Maura Murphy's tough and remarkable life is a compellingly written account of struggle and survival like no other. With all the immediacy and impact of Frank McCourt's prize-winning ANGELA'S ASHES, Maura's voice is feisty, funny and fearless. And she needed to be all those things to survive an extraordinary series of privations and abuses. Her story is compelling and upbeat despite everything.
Closer to You begins where Serenity left off. After Julianna's kidnapping, she's ready to move on with Christian, but can they get over one of the most terrifying experiences of her life? Their road to recovery includes therapy and, most importantly, their growing love for each other, which is tested when Julianna makes the mistake of keeping a life-changing secret from Christian. In the midst of all this, Serenity's first album is released and the group is getting ready to tour, which only adds to their problems. Mark and Vicky have reunited, but her disapproving parents make their feelings known when they arrive in New York City. Although Mark takes a drastic step to keep her parents at bay, he may have underestimated their determination to reclaim Vicky and their grandson. Will the Lamonts' machinations to see their grandson destroy Mark and Vicky's relationship once and for all? Tony, the jokester of the group, doesn't believe in love. Or does he? What will he do when he suddenly finds himself the object of a beautiful and sophisticated career woman's desire---and is unable to deny his feelings for her? How will he handle trying to pass himself off as the father of an abused girl's baby? Will this chivalrous, but foolhardy plan ruin his chances with the woman who could possibly be the love of his life? His father's unexpected and unwelcome reappearance and Adam's disapproval of Tony's newfound love complicate things even more. Tony finds himself welcoming Serenity's tour, but will he be his own worst enemy? Success is certainly sweet for Serenity, but can the group get their personal lives settled so they can enjoy that success or will they discover the life of a rock star is not all it's cracked up to be?
The Long Run begins where Closer to You left off. The end is near Christian and Julianna are looking forward to starting a family, but they're finding out their life together comes second to the band. Julianna now finds herself looking at a future she never thought she'd have or want. She's going to be a mother, which wasn't in her plans, at least not this soon. Plus, with Serenity doing so well, Christian is so busy, Julianna wonders what kind of life they will have together. Will they ever make it to the altar? Tony must deal with the consequences his excessive partying caused on the tour. Can Stephanie forgive him? A major loss forces Tony to examine his life and what it is he has---and wants. This turn of events causes him to do something he never thought he would. Will he and Stephanie have a happy ending? Mark and Vicky's relationship is in turmoil. Mark has had enough of Vicky's mixed signals and indecisiveness and makes one of the biggest mistakes of his life. He is then faced with losing the one thing he loves more than anything. Will he end up forfeiting everything he worked so hard to gain? Adam finds himself the odd man out. He's not sure what he wants. The other guys are so involved with their personal lives he feels they're ignoring the band and his anger and resentment causes him to do something that may jeopardize his own happiness. While all this is going on, Serenity is becoming even more popular. Their tour is constantly interrupted by personal problems and intra-band conflict eventually ensues. Can they resolve their issues in time to record and release a second album or is this it for the band? Will their dream continue or will it come crashing down around them? Is there such a thing as happily-ever-after in the world of rock & roll? You'll find out in The Long Run.
Covering all the core skills you will need to help you make the most of your university course, The Ultimate Study Skills Handbook is your key to success This is the handbook of techniques, tips and exercises that will help improve your grades, save you time and hone the skills that will make you stand out to prospective employers. This practical book has help for the key areas of your student life: Working out the best way for you to learn Developing reading and writing techniques Doing your research Writing up your findings Presenting your work Joining a team project Fitting in work and play Revising for exams Improving your critical thinking skills Managing your time E-learning skills And there is also an online learning centre full of advice and downloads. To make the most of university, you need to be asking the right questions and finding the right answers. This book will lead you to both.
The Municipal preschools of Reggio Emilia, in Northern Italy, are renowned world-wide for the excellence of their provision. This approach provides a unique collaboration between children, parents, teachers and the wider community. Loris Malaguzzi and the Reggio Emilia Experience brings together the history and context of the Reggio Emilia experience, and explores the principles espoused by Loris Malaguzzi and the Early Years' Educators of the Reggio Emilia Municipality. It critically evaluates the emergent curriculum and quality provision and offers new insights into the powerful and dominant discourses of the Reggio movement. It will provide students and educators with a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon that is Reggio Emilia.
Murphy is feeling "blah" and is a little out of shape. He doesn't know how to make new friends. His dad signs him up for a tennis lesson... A surprising set back occurs but in his eagerness to meet new friends he keeps on trying to get the ball over the net. He realizes tennis is fun! After a few weeks of practice he is feeling fit and becomes a better player. He finally joins the team and makes new friends...Tennis tips are in the back of the book."--author's website.
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