Independent Reading Log #10

1/20/13

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Pages 119-140

Summary of what I read: In this passage it is time for Malachy’s first communion. This is a very important and special time in his life. The day of his first communion turns out to be somewhat of a disaster. When the day of the communion finally comes, he ends up being a little late to church. After church his mom and him go to his grandma’s house for a proper communion day breakfast. Since the food is so much richer than he is used to he accidentally pukes it all up in the grandma’s back yard. She then gets very mad at Malachy and his mother because she feels that when he puked up the food he was puking up God himself.

Important quote from the text: “Get up! Get up! Get that child outa the bed. Happiest day of his life an’ him snorin’ above in the bed.” This quote is said by the grandmother on the day of Malachy’s first communion. I think that this is an important quote because it describes and shows how important this day is not only for Malachy but for his family too. Even though they aren’t really a part of the ceremony they are happy and excited for Malachy. After the ceremony Malachy collects money and then gets to spend it on whatever he wants which usually is used to go see a movie. Malachy is more excited about this part of the experience of his first communion than the church part.

Connections to the text: I connected to this part of the text in the way that when I was younger I wasn’t a huge fan of church. After I grew out of the Sunday School age and just had to sit in church and listen to the Pastor preach I didn’t really like it as much. For Malachy, during the First Communion he is more excited about the things he gets to do after the service instead of the service itself. He is excited about going to collect money and spend it on a movie instead of the church service. At his age I could understand that completely.