I absolutely loved this book. It is a memoir that delves into the life of a man who endured a difficult family situation. His mother was depressed, and his younger sister had serious birth defects, which demanded everyone's time and energy for a full 18 years. Amidst this chaos, he discovers Shakespeare and becomes completely engrossed in the plays and sonnets, despite not always fully understanding them. Then, he is introduced to the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, CT. Sadly, this festival no longer exists. However, it was through this that he became Hamlet's dresser and over the years, he was deeply involved in the theater. He lived out all the plays and had the opportunity to work with many wonderful actors. The story beautifully balances the account of his early life with that of his current life, where he now shares the magic of Shakespeare with senior citizens in NYC. What a truly remarkable gift this is!

Oh boy, I'm awarding this a solid 4 stars, yet I don't really have a vivid memory of it. It was recommended by Sal, but unfortunately, I can't recall which year that was.

Here are the notes I had taken on it:

It's an autobiography. The author grew up in the 1940s and 50s in Stratford CT. He had a younger mentally challenged sister named Carolyn. He worked as a dresser for Hamlet in the Shakespearean Stratford Theater, which has since closed, although I remember it quite well. He was a lost soul, moving around the theater scene in NYC and Boston as a student. Carolyn was institutionalized at 18, and he didn't visit her for 40 years, carrying guilt all those years. He teaches Shakespeare to old people in community classes and has a great love for the elderly. Sometimes, his parents and grandparents would say awful things to him. There's an undercurrent of his being gay, and there are quotes from Shakespeare throughout the book.

All in all, it seems like a complex and interesting read, despite my hazy memory of it.

This was truly a delightful memoir. It was told with such remarkable insight and deep compassion.

The author's utilization of Shakespeare to illustrate his story was simply brilliant. It added an extra layer of depth and charm to the narrative.

Moreover, his descriptions and the palpable feeling he had for senior citizens were truly heartwarming. It was as if he was able to capture their essence and bring their experiences to life on the pages.

Reading this memoir was like taking a deep breath of fresh air. It provided a unique perspective and a touching exploration of life and relationships.

It left a lasting impression on me and made me appreciate the beauty and wisdom that can be found in the lives of senior citizens.

Overall, it was a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a memoir that is both engaging and meaningful.

An amazing memoir that combines childhood memories with a profound understanding of Shakespeare, influenced by the spirits of Joyce and McCourt. I first read this book two years ago and have been meaning to read it again soon. The writing is truly edible, as the author has a keen eye and ear for the art of language. It is not just a powerful love story of two siblings growing up, but also a highly enlightening exploration of Shakespeare's words and his lasting legacy. The author's ability to weave together personal experiences with the works of Shakespeare creates a unique and engaging narrative. It makes the reader see Shakespeare in a whole new light and appreciate the depth and beauty of his language. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who loves literature, Shakespeare, or a good story about family and成长.

This book, which I consider to be the first book of my modern reading journey, holds a special place in my heart.

After years of casual reading, it was with this book that I began to pay closer attention to the world of literature.

The author, Bob Smith, has crafted a truly brilliant piece of work. The book consists of three stories, each of which offers valuable lessons and insights.

Whether it's his personal experience with Shakespeare, the difficulties he faced in his family as a child, or the adult classes where he read Shakespeare with elderly students, there is something in this book that every reader can identify with.

The stories are told in a engaging and relatable way, making it easy for the reader to get lost in the pages.

This book has not only opened my eyes to the power of literature but has also inspired me to explore more deeply into the world of books.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.

Mr. Smith's memoir, presented in the form of an audiobook, offers a captivating experience.

As I listened, I was immediately drawn in by his compelling voice. It added a personal touch to the narrative, making it feel as if he was sharing his life story directly with me.

His deep love for Shakespeare shines through, and the stories of his theater work are both fascinating and entertaining.

But it's not just the professional aspects that make this memoir memorable. His reminiscences of the family dynamic add an emotional layer that is both relatable and touching.

Overall, Mr. Smith's audiobook memoir is a must-read/listen. It offers a unique perspective on his life and career, and it's a testament to the power of storytelling.

I simply can't resist any book that makes a reference to Shakespeare. Before starting this particular book, I had no idea what to expect as I knew absolutely nothing about the author. However, from the very first page, I was completely taken in.

The clever and most telling quotes from Shakespeare are seamlessly interlaced with the poignant story of the author's sister. It's the story of the relationship and deep love between Bob and his severely mentally challenged sister Carolyn. Shakespeare is always there in the background, providing solace, occupation, absorption, and release for a troubled and sensitive soul.

I would really like to have a further biography of Mr Smith. By the end of the book, I found myself wanting to know more about him. Shakespeare is indeed a savior for many, but I was still surprised at how apt the quotations were. I know most of the plays quite intimately, but not as much as Mr Smith clearly does. I was sad to reach the end of the book, yet I felt so much better for having come to know Mr Smith. This book is very good indeed! It's a captivating read that combines the magic of Shakespeare with a touching personal story.

I highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Shakespeare or in reading about the power of love and family. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

I must admit that I was hoping it would be a little better. The fact that according to the fourth cover, McCourt defined it as a "masterpiece" misled me.

I found it a bit repetitive. Surely, the author's great passion for Shakespeare shines through, and it's nice to see how he always manages to find in the great poet and playwright a description of his own life, the events that happen to him, as well as what he feels. But in my opinion, the book struggles to take off, and the story of the sick sister is really depressing and doesn't add much to the story.

More in-depth review: http://unbuonlibrounottimoamico.wordp...

The book had its moments, but overall, it didn't quite meet my expectations. The repetitive nature made it a bit of a slog to get through at times. While the connection to Shakespeare was interesting, it didn't fully compensate for the weaknesses in the narrative. The story of the sick sister could have been developed more fully to add more depth and meaning to the overall plot. However, despite its flaws, there were still some aspects of the book that I enjoyed, such as the author's obvious love for Shakespeare and his ability to find inspiration in the playwright's works.

Overall, I would say that this book is an average read. It has its strengths and weaknesses, and while it may not be a masterpiece as McCourt claimed, it is still worth reading for those who are interested in Shakespeare or in stories about personal growth and discovery.

Granted, I am currently in a "memoir" phase. However, this particular piece is beautifully crafted. It is founded upon a hope and compassion for humanity that is truly rare in modern writing. The use of the Shakespeare lens as an added bonus makes it even more remarkable. It allows the reader to view the story through a different perspective, adding depth and richness to the narrative. The author's ability to blend these elements together seamlessly is a testament to their skill and talent. It is a work that not only engages the reader but also leaves a lasting impression. It makes one reflect on the power of hope and compassion in our lives and how they can shape our experiences. Overall, it is a remarkable piece of writing that should not be missed.

A memoir written by a Shakespeare scholar and theater professional offers an interesting glimpse into his life. He grew up in Connecticut, where he had a disabled sister. This early experience likely shaped his perspective and perhaps his sense of empathy. Later in life, he found himself leading Shakespeare classes for seniors in NYC. It's a heartwarming story that shows the power of literature and theater to bring people together and enrich their lives. However, the writing itself was just average. It didn't really wow me with its prose or style. But despite that, I'm still glad I read it. It gave me some insights into the world of Shakespeare and theater that I might not have otherwise had. I would only recommend this memoir to those who are really into theater or Shakespeare, as they are the ones who will likely get the most out of it.

I really enjoyed this book.

The author does an outstanding job in this memoir, vividly telling his story of growing up and uncovering Shakespeare, which had a profound impact on his life from that moment on. He simply couldn't get enough of it! Just like him, I also discovered Shakespeare at my local library. The complete works were presented in these charming small blue books with gold lettering that seemed to call out to me from afar when I was quite young. A similar set had the same allure for Bob. The words were so different from anything I had ever read, and there was a beauty that was beyond comprehension. Those books were so special that I don't think that set could be borrowed from the library. I would find myself going back to them whenever I visited, just to read a section or two of that beautiful and strange language.

Later, as we studied a play or two in school and watched Olivier's Hamlet, my understanding of the play deepened. After all, Shakespeare wrote plays to be seen and experienced, and I find that it is the act of seeing that truly brings them to life again after all these centuries, especially for a modern-day audience. This is clearly demonstrated when Smith replays passages from Anthony and Cleopatra, where she is buckling his armor. Smith shares the story of instructing Hepburn (one of my idols) on how to buckle the armor and adds comments to the bard's original lines, which helps to convey what the actors would do with their excellent skills.

The author takes us through his younger years in his dysfunctional family. An absent father and his mentally retarded sister were a heavy burden on his mother, and all of these had a significant impact on his young life. Other family members, teachers, friends, and non-friends are also included in his journey through his youth until he found his way to a part-time summer job as Hamlet's Dresser at the Stratford Festival, which fortunately started up in his hometown. These tales are interspersed with stories about his current life, teaching Shakespeare to the elderly in community centers and other places in New York City. I only wish he had taken us on a ride through the years in between, but perhaps that is reserved for another memoir.

His tale truly took me back to various times in my own young life. I had a happy childhood, but I think we can all relate to different kinds of bullies in the classroom. While Shakespeare didn't become all-consuming for me, it is something that I have returned to at different times in my life. Like the summer after my freshman year at a small liberal arts college near my home. A friend was transferring to Penn State and enrolling for the summer session. I went along with her to help her find an apartment and such. While I was there, I realized that for a small amount of money, I could attend Penn State for the summer and experience a larger school and living away from home for a short while. My parents agreed, and I set out to look for classes to take. My school started early, so I was limited to mostly graduate classes for teachers to obtain their ongoing credits. This was fine as these would transfer back to my school as pass-fail and serve as extra credits outside the requirements for my major (not English). There, in the list of classes, I noticed graduate Shakespeare. To register for classes, you had to go to the gymnasium and stand in long lines for a given subject area. My wait for the English department was long, and my reward was being turned down since I wasn't even an English major and it was a graduate, not an undergraduate, class. I had been easily accepted in the other classes, so I wasn't going to just accept this refusal and proceeded to argue my case. Our school didn't offer this course, it would transfer as pass-fail, I wanted to take the class because I enjoyed Shakespeare, and what a wonderful experience it would be. The professor finally gave in. It turned out to be his class, and I guess he didn't want underclassmen in there, but he was convinced by my arguments to give me a chance. It was the most enjoyable class that I took that summer and was surprisingly small for such a large university - maybe 20 people. My actual grade was a B, even though it would transfer as a pass, which gave me great satisfaction as I was actually very close to receiving an A.

In conclusion, sorry for the long-windedness, but I really enjoyed this book, and I'm hopeful that Smith will write another memoir to complete this saga. I also hope that I'll be able to see him speak at some point. When I retire, I'll be moving, and they have a local arts festival. While this usually consists of dancing, singing, and the like, I'm hopeful that Bob's speaking on Shakespeare might qualify, and I'll suggest it once I'm settled in my new surroundings. And there's always New York - a trip there might just have to include a visit to the Y or other locale that will be provided on his website.

Thanks, Bob! I really enjoyed the journey!