Angels (Walsh Family)

I was going on vacation and needed a light book to read. I love Marian Keyes, and for some reason I had this book sitting on my shelf for the longest time. I was hesitant to read it given the sub par reviews, but I decided to take it with my anyway.

Well, it definitely was a light and quick read. At times I thought to myself no wonder this book didn't have as many great reviews- or as many reviews in general compared to other Keyes' books. Overall, it was average, a bit disappointing coming from such a magnificent writer.

I bought this book after having read Keye's Rachel's Holiday, so I knew what to expect- a light, silly, beach read. In the book, Maggie, the main character, leaves Ireland after her marriage falls apart and moves to California to live with her best friend. While there she learns about Hollywood and the movie industry and experiements as she trys to break her good-girl image. Although the book is lengthy, it is cute, and goes by fairly fast. It is definately a fun summer read. I would reccomend this to anyone looking for a fun, not extremely intellectual, beach book.

It took me forever to complete reading this book. It wasn't until the last 100 pages that I actually enjoyed it. Three-quarters of the book seems to repeat itself making it a bit boring and hard to get through.
The setting for the book is in Los Angeles. I live in Southern California and I feel that Keyes really exagerated what she "imagined" L.A. is like. Some of what she writes does happen but so much is sterotype ... things we may have heard or seen on an "Entertainment Show."
I am a first time Keyes reader so I wasn't familiar with all of the chartacters. Keyes does have knack for writing colorful and enjoyable chartacters.
Maggie, the main chartacter, was given just about every senerio life can bring ... Marriage,pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, divorce, affairs, lesbiansm on and on .... To much! I guess that is why it is called fiction.

When Maggie's marriage breaks up, she decides to visit her childhood friend who now lives in Los Angeles. It's quite a culture shock for a girl from Ireland.
But the shock is even more when her parents and 2 sisters also come for a visit! This is really the best part of the book. Her family gives a whole new meaning to the word ECCENTRIC! This is the part where you may find yourself laughng out loud.
But also, in bits and pieces we learn Maggie's whole story. It comes unexpectedly but everything blends together very well.
A fun book but also a solid "good read".

Whenever an author writes more than one book, there's the inevitable comparison to the others. However, I thought this book was fabulously written and charmingly witty. And it stands on its own. Granted, I haven't read Rachael's Holiday (but I will because I loved this one!) I loved the character being compared to plain yogurt at room temperature. Which of us hasn't felt that way? And doesn't that one sentence tell you a mint of information? Marian Keyes deserves her kudos for a fabulous book. I can't wait to read more.

I really wanted to love this book. And I did like it. The Walsh characters are just that, and you want it to be all the things you know Ms. Keyes can make it. But again, it never seems to get to the point. I was glad of how things ended up for Maggie;surely this could have happened earlier in the book. I feel that Helen is by far Ms. Keyes favorite character, but she wears thin quickly with me. Still, "Rachel's Holiday" and "Is Anyone Out There" remain two of my favorite books. This one is just...ok.

This is my very first Marian Keyes novel. I found myself struggling to finish the book in the beginning maybe because it was hard to relate to the character and the way the author was trying to introduce the "supporting" characters slowed down the phase of the story. I normally would go through a book in 2 or 3 days bt this had me going for almost 2 weeks. Also I had decided to stop reading it twice 'cause I thought I'd never find anything interesting in it at all. But I'm glad I decided to stick to it. I did find some interesting parts towards the end of the story. I liked the ending too. There is nothing like a good ending. I think it made up for the bad parts of the story. It's what salvaged the entire thing. Maybe I'll give Marian Keyes another chance.

I have read all of Marian Keyes' novels and would give them all 4 to 5 stars for enjoyability, but this novel just did NOT grab me at all. I found it boring and didn't think it accurately described Americans. I enjoy her novels for their escapism into London and Dublin life...this just made me want to finish it so I could continue my claim that I'd read them all. Dear readers, PLEASE don't choose this as your first Marian Keyes read. Try reading them in order of publication...she is truly talented and funny in her other efforts, this one just fell short in my opinion.

Initially, I had difficulty getting into this story. Little was revealed about Maggie's relationship with her soon to be estranged husband. The flight to LA seemed precipitous given what little we knew about Maggie. This scenes in LA were a bit overdue, especially all the trite dialogue with superficial characters. Fortunately, the story emerged beneath the fluff. Keyes writing is honest and deep. She is at her best when she juxtaposes humor with dark, psychological element to expose her characters' nature.

I usually read genre fiction, like science fiction, fantasy, and romance. But even though I'm not normally one for mainstream, "chick-lit" novels, I found this one to be really quite good. The main character was interesting and complex, and I was moved by her journey of emotional healing. Also, the "fish-out-of-water" aspect of an Irish woman coping with life in L.A. was just downright hilarious! This book was moving and funny by turns, and sometimes simultaneously. Highly recommended.

Maggie's marriage is over, she's lost her job...so she leaves Ireland and heads to LA. A change of scenery might be just the ticket. But this city of constant sunlight and glitz is a true culture shock...unfortunately it's still not enough to make her get over her bad spell.

Angels seems to be a bit of a romp at first, but as the story unfolds, Keyes gradually explains Maggie's pain is more than just a failed marriage and losing her job. A deeper, more profound story emerges. Keyes blends humor and depth with flawless ability in this exceptional story of love and loss.

I'd almost given up on Keyes after the last one I read Last Chance Saloon, but I'm glad I picked up Angels. It was refreshing and fun. The main character, Maggie, was likeable and imperfect as she ran away from her problems to live with a friend in LA and experiment with different parts of her personality. In the end she realizes who she is and comes to peace with many things in her life - carreer and love. It was fun to hear about Maggie's life thru a different perspective since she is sisters with Claire, the main character in Keyes's Watermelon.

I loved her other books, but this one has got to be the most boring thing I've ever read. As one living in Los Angeles, the over-used stereotypical references to teeth (white) and tans (dark) are, after 150 pages, boring. There are only so many jokes to be done about Los Angeles-- she should have stopped after the first round. Has Marion spent more than two days in Los Angeles, or did she rely on Baywatch reruns to formulate her cast of "characters"?
I'm on page 180 of this book, and I Just Don't Care to read any more. Thankfully, it's just a library book.
Note to Marion: REZA is a MAN'S NAME. You will not find a Persian woman (Bahai or otherwise) with the name REZA. It was after reading that part of the book that made me say "Pfffftttt-reading this is a waste of time!"

I've read several of Marian Keyes' books (this one being the fifth) and they all resonate with me. Overall, this is a satisfying read, but I couldn't help but feel it was too similar to "Watermelon," which may just be because I just finished "Watermelon" hours before I started on "Angels." Of all the Keyes' books I've read, this is my least favorite, but even that is not as bad as it sounds as Keyes' books are all good!

I don't typically read "chick lit," but I work in a bookstore and this book really struck my interest when I saw it one day. I was a bit hesitant to actually purchase it due to the whole chick lit stereotpye, but I'm extremely glad that I did.

Maggie very much reminded me of myself, as I was constantly responding to segments with thoughts like, "Oh, I know!" She kept voicing things that I have always thought but have never actually voiced.

I suppose it's true that not a lot happens in this book, but in no way did I find it boring. There was so much wit and humor to keep the book upbeat, and I grew very attached to Maggie throughout the growth that she underwent throughout the book. We kept learning more and more about Maggie and Garv's past as the book went on, which kept capturing me more and more. I fell more in love with the characters with each chapter, and I desperately wanted everything to turn out alright for Maggie and all her friends. I honestly couldn't put it down.

Really, I just loved this book. That's all there is to say! I'm so glad that I found Marian Keyes, and only just now did I discover that she has written books about some of the other Walsh sisters. I'll be picking them up ASAP.

A friend lent me this book so that I'd have reading material for my trip to Hawaii. I started reading it on the plane and laughed out loud so hard that a passenger seated in the next aisle asked me what I was reading because 'she had never heard someone enjoy a book so much'! I finished it before our vacation was over so I made my husband stop at a bookstore enroute to the airport so that I could buy another for the trip home (I bought "Watermelon" and "Rachel's Holiday" to complete the Walsh Family Trilogy). I have since read "Lucy Sullivan Gets Married", "Last Chance Saloon", "Sushi for Beginners", and her recent release, "The Other Side of the Story" and have enjoyed them all. Marian Keyes is not only witty and entertaining, but her books touch on subjects that many can relate to, expressing them in way that can make you laugh and touch your heart all at the same time. I've never enjoyed an author so much and am completely hooked. Must be the Irish-American in me!

I tend to take these British chick-lit books far more seriously than the author intends, so I purposely read this one with an open mind and light heart. The fun, snappy style of writing made me laugh, and although I didn't sympathize with the character's plight very closely, I found them to be quite likeable people.

Even though I am a New Yorker, I have a few friends who live in Los Angeles and have visited there several times, so I really appreciated this rather cynical view of their town and their lifestyle.

I absolutely adore Marian Keyes, and her new book Angels was no exception. The story of Maggie Walsh, the so-called good girl or "white sheep" of Keyes' hilarious Walsh family is funny and engaging. But what I like best about Marian Keyes is that although her books make excellent beach reading, they are not mere fluff. Maggie has had some tough times in the past few years, and Keyes writes about it beautifully. Highly recommend.

I have to say, I just love Marian Keyes' novels. I could hardly wait to get my hands on "Angels" and my excitement was justified! It was great to get to "know" Maggie after having been introduced to her character in "Watermelon" and "Rachel's Holiday" and to compare the impressions of her from her point of view vs. her sisters' views of her. I really hope Marian plans to write books featuring the other two Walsh sisters as well!

I loved all Marian Keyes books. However, i must say that Angel is a bit bland. The story plot is pretty simple. Maggie the simple, plain jane with no history of any diva genes unlike her sisters lead an ordinary blissful married life. But suddenly, it all crumples and she went to her bestfriend`s house in Los Angeles to recuperate. There she found a wild side of her that she has never known and becomes a changed person. In the end it ends happily with her husband coming back for her. What attracts me more than the story in this book is los angeles. Ms Keyes has done a wonderful job covering the los angeles hollywood lifestyle.

This book delivered all that I've come to expect from Marian Keyes, and more. I heard her read from this one on her author tour in the States and did not think she could possibly keep the momentum of the quirky Walsh sisters going. But has she ever!
This is the story of Margaret, the white sheep of the Walsh clan. Never having done anything wrong in her life, she suddenly leaves her husband (which was warranted) and takes of for LA to stay with her best friend. Considering herself single again, Margaret must re-examine herself, and forage an identity in her new life. Well, lets just say she goes through lots of explorations in determining who she is.
Funny, real and someone anyone can relate to (as I think all the Walsh girls are) Margaret learns so much about herself and people in the flashy world of Los Angeles. Of course family Walsh comes to LA for a visit providing us with lots of laughs as well.
The chapters shift between Margaret's past that led her to leave Garv (the husband) and the present. The relationship between Margaret and her best friend is developed beautifully -- and the way Marian creates life in LA is a riot!
I hope Marian Keyes continues to write about the Walsh girls, revisiting them in various stages of their lives. They are the most "real" and fun cast of characters I've encountered in fiction in a long time. I love these books and recommend them highly for a feel good, fun read.

I have read all of Marian Keyes' books and enjoyed each one more than the other. I was especially looking forward to reading Angels as it featured the Walsh sisters from her previous novels. What a bitter disappointment. I literally had to force myself to finish it- boring, slow, not a drop of her usual humor, stale characters...I just started Sushi For Beginners, and already I can tell this is the great writing you expect from Marian Keyes.

I enjoyed Angels hugely - not just because it's so entertaining, but because Marian has, for this book, returned to the first person narrative - a form at which she excels. I liked Maggie - the 'white sheep' of the family who turns out to be in fact more cream-coloured with flecks of grey! I thought her back-story with the true reason for her marriage problems (which was only gradually revealed) was particularly well done and utterly believable. I loved the descriptions of LA which weren't corny in the least - a hard feat to pull off as we all know LA so well, if only through TV and film. Marian didn't try too hard to satirise it but instead portrayed its madness with a nice, light touch. I really like the part when the Walsh family kept phoning her up 'in confidence' to tell her what Garv was up to in Dublin - it was very funny. I also loved the bit when they all descended on her in LA - embarassing her - then saving the day. I very much look forward to Marian's next book.

I probably liked this book least of Keyes' books, all of which I've read. I think the problem was that I wasn't fully enamored of Maggie the way I am of the other Walsh sisters. It probably has something to do with the way she and her husband were portrayed in Rachel's Holiday, which I guess is unfair since that was Rachel's perspective on her sister and her sister's husband at a point in time where Rachel herself was very much in denial (yeah, I'm a little too involved with these characters).

Still, it was a fun read. I had made a trip to California for similar reasons at about the time I read Angels, so that connection was fun for me. I just didn't feel quite as involved in this story as I have when reading Keyes' other books.

Angels was somewhat entertaining but left me a bit flat. It is unrealistic in the treatment of some of the relationships (After 9 years of marriage I would fight it out, not run away without talking)and the way the main character has no clue about herself and her motives. The whole thing with the Troy character was also unbelievable. It's a decent light read if you are stuck in an airport like I was when I picked it up.

I just love everyone in the crazy Irish Walsh Family and this book set in L.A. did not dissapoint. Maggi the good sister has reached rock bottom after a marriage breakdown and losing her job so when she's invited to LA by a friend she runs towards the light. But it is not just the standard chick lit romp. The story deals compassionately with a lot of human pain - the comedy in many cases is born out of the suffering. As my mother always said "If you didn't laugh you'd cry".

This is the story of Maggie Walsh, although she is not the most likable of the Walsh sisters this was a fantastic read, its hard not to fall in love with the whole walsh family! espically Mammy and Daddy Walsh : ) This was a fast read, prob because i couldnt put the book down! Fantastic read! Keep it up Marian Keyes!!!!

Marian Keyes has a way of engaging you and making you feel so connected with characters, you never want to leave the world of your book and have to face "the real world". After I read Rachel's Holiday I thought (much in the same as after Watermelon) "I will never love another Keyes character as much as Rachel", but Keyes somehow always proves me wrong.

Angels is a perfect example. From the very start Keyes builds your relationship with Maggie, and by the end of her journey you feel like a long lost sister. When she first sets foot in LA she makes you feel exactly what Maggie is feeling. That was way Angels was such a joy to read! Although perhaps not as laugh out loud funny as Keyes' other triumphs, Angels still has it's own quirkes and charms that will definitely leave you, as it has me, wanting more!

I love this book - it was very well written, funny, entertaining, and quick. Marian Keyes is known for her light humor and her entertaining way of telling a simple story. She inspires women to grow up and put themselves first when a tragic life experience happens - like a cheating husband. Great read & very inspiring.

I loved it! I have only read a few Marion Keyes books and the ones I have read are great. I love her writing style.

The main character is loveable and one that you could be friends with although her friend and family eek!

Anyhow I feel like this a is great read and I don't think that you will regret reading it.

Marian Keyes' ANGELS is the best kind of beach read -- funny, loving, and ultimately respectful of all its characters. Maggie Walsh comes to Los Angeles for all the reasons that most of us come to Los Angeles -- our hearts are broken and we can't think of what comes next, and joining the Foreign Legion is not an option. Her L.A. adventure rings true, and she gets the happy ending we all deserve. Hurray!

You'll be innocently browsing in a bookstore (virtual or otherwise) when suddenly, the new Marian Keyes novel will catch you out of left field. The cover will glow and wink at you enticingly, saying "Go on, blow the budget - buy the hardcover, leave work early today & binge read till midnight - you know you want to". But be warned. This novel lacks the wit, charm and unforced pathos of Keyes' earlier work (in particular Watermelon and Rachel's Holiday). Wait for the small paperback or buy it used.

I was quite excited to get my hands on this book having devoured all her previous works .. rachel's holiday was by far my favorite and last chance saloon was also good .. this book started out slow and seemed forced, the main character as well as incidentals weren't drawn very well and you never felt that attachment .. still a good read, but not of the caliber you've grown to expect from her

An funny story that demonstrates Keyes's observant style of writing. It happily 'toodles' along and has realistic full characters that come to life creating an empathy with the reader. I am always sad getting to the end of one of Keyes's books. Not my favorite (that was Rachel's Holiday), but still the best read I have had all year.
Maggy is a little less crazy than her sisters, however this book is about her trying to change this while in LA. It is written with Marian's usual sharp wit, and it's the usual un-put-down-able gobble-it-up-in-one stuff.
Personally think this book would be most enjoyed by (but certainly not limited to) 20-40 year old woman who would possibly get the most enjoyment out of the characters.

I have probably had worse books in my hands, but usually if it is this bad I either skim to the end or just plain put it down. From some reason, I felt compelled to finish this one...maybe to see if there was a story to it. I could have saved myself 2 weeks of struggling through it and just read the first and last chapters! I am so disappointed with myself for wasting the time.

And apparently it wasn't written for a US market, because the author felt the need to 'translate' almost every expression or action to an apparently Irish audience.

Anyway, unless you REALLY feel the need to read EVERYTHING this author has penned (I haven't read any of her other works), you might want to pass on this one

There is not much that this author writes that I'd consider in the least boring but half way through I lost focus on this book so I found myself skipping around. I did the awful thing of reading the end of the book and actually found that I liked the end better than any other bit.

I really enjoyed this book. I haven't been disappointed yet by a Marian Keyes novel. I normally don't read this genre, but for this author I make the exception. She is very descriptive, about both setting and characters. It is easy to lose yourself in her books. I recommend you try this, and all her other books.

I love marian keyes's books this one was good and I still enjoyed it I just didnt "love" it as much as her others. If you are looking to dip into her writtings for the first time try watermellon or Last chance Saloon. Those are my fav. I supose it just felt like a generic plot and story line.

I have read of of Marian Keye's novels to date, and this one was so great! the way it made fun of Los Angeles (where i live) was dead on perfect! The Walsh family is so colorful, i just hope novels focusing on Helen and Anna are on their way!!
Read this book you will love it!!

This book is not really all that interesting..the beginning just drags on! This is my first book to read by Marian Keyes..and it's kind of putting me off any of her other books. It seems like everyone is just going round and round..I am having to force myself to get through this book. I read these fluffy fictional books for fun, and lift me up..but this is practically depressing me with it's round and round talk with no end in sight..geez.

3 weeks ago I read angels and I got so like embarrressed (i'm 44) i was sitting in dentist as I was escorting my mum and i could not stop laughing aloud in public my cheeks were so like sore i kept trying to cover up with my hands but it did not

work as i was spraying snot into my hand i had to leave the premises not before i said sorry its just that this book is so funny that was only like into the fourth chapter when she had no option but to go back to the dysfunctional family home and it was the bit about the air (sister)hostess that like really got me spraying after that like an hour only then could i go back to it without sniggering in a public place.i have recommended angels to everyone i know and it doesnt always work as not everyone has time to read but i do know that they aint getting my copy told them to go to the store buy it then they can review it.(hitmebabyonemoretime)

This is the first of Keyes' books I have read. It was also the first of the chick lit genre I have read. I really liked it, and judging from the reviews I won't be disappointed with her other books. The books portrayal of life in Los Angeles was "laugh out loud-able". It was slow at times, but it all came together nicely in the end. If you are looking for a great author in this genre, read this book - although I have read it is not the author's *best* work, it is definately worth reading and a great intro to her writing. Highly entertaining.

I want to thank the author, I absoulutly loved the book. The characters were beleivable, and the reader is easily able to feel and see what the characters are going through. This book helped me through a break up, and helped me to move on. This is a great read for those who need to rememeber that life will move on. I love how when you read the book, (if you have read other novels by this author), you already know some of the characters, and those that you don't you start to love instantly. Pick it up, give it a read.

I have to agree with the other reviewers who say the LA of this book seems cliche and the characters sometimes seem rather shrill. However, the characters overall are wonderful and funny, the plot is fast-moving and silly, and the ending, of course, is happy. Who could ask for more for a summer read?

Angels is a great read! I loved Marian Keyes' other books and I wasn't disappointed with this one. After reading about Rachel (Rachel's Holiday) and Claire (Watermelon) Walsh we finally learn about the "lick-arse" sister Margaret who may not be quite the goody goody her family thinks. The setting leaves Ireland and gives some insight into life in L.A.and when her family arrives the humour really starts.

I READ THIS BOOK ON MY HONEYMOON DURING THOSE LONG STRETCHES ON THE BEACH AND AT THE POOL. MY HUSBAND QUICKLY BECAME USED TO MY RANDOM BOUTS OF LAUGHTER AS I READ. I WILL ALWAYS THINK OF THIS BOOK FONDLY. I HAVE READ ALL OF MIRIAM'S BOOKS AND THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. I LOVE THE WALSH WOMEN, THEY ARE A RIOT! I LOVED THE IRISH TAKE ON L.A. IF YOU'RE IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING WITTY WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS, BUY THIS BOOK!!!

Love, love, love the Walsh clan and thoroughly enjoyed this latest effort from Ms. Keyes! It's so easy to relate to the (mis)adventures of Maggie as she contemplates her life while visiting L.A. I strongly recommend this book to those who've ever questioned true love and/or the sanity of one's own family!

This is the first book I've read by Marian Keyes and just love the way she writes. She's very funny in the way she tells this story about the "white sheep" of the Walsh family and loved going along on her adventure. Must read more of this author's books!

It's just so, so, so dull! Don't do it. Poke your eyes out with the nearest kitchen utensil if you have to.

Nothing happens - really nothing at all.

Other books by the same author are great for a holiday (vacation) read (perhaps because they actually have a story line) e.g. Rachel's Holiday, Lucy Sullivan and I recommend The Other Side of the Story.

I have enjoyed all of the previous books written by Marian Keyes, but this one was terrible. There was no plot and the characters seemed to be running themselves in circles. I highly recommend other books written by Ms. Keyes, but I urge you not to waste you time with this one.

Very disappointed with this Marian Keyes effort. I physically laughed out loud with other stories by this author - particularly Rachel's Holiday. This book is definitely about the less interesting sister! Don't bother with this one, sorry.

Maybe I just picked the wrong book as my entry into the Marian Keyes world, but this book sucked! I spent 6 months trying to figure out what in the world it was even about. Perhaps I should have bought a bigger print version. Perhaps I should have read another one of Ms. Keyes' books first. Or perhaps, I should have grown up in Ireland. The character is Irish, and Ms. Keyes seems to think that all of the readers are too, because every word that comes out of her mouth is Irish slang and I don't get any of it! Even the L.A. people seem to speak it! I really have a hard time feeling sorry for this character when all she does is sleep all day, party all night, sleep around, and then whine and moan about why her husband left her. It's no wonder! And she's supposed to be "the good daughter"?!?! She's done nothing to deserve her self-imposed title, as far as I can see. The character is dull, dull, and very dull, and so is the book. I put it up on my shelf after 6 excrutiating long months, leaving it a little less than half-read, and I really hope I don't get bored enough to pick it up again. Unfortunately, this horrible piece of "literature" has deterred me from wanting to try any of Ms. Keyes' other books.