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Bill Cullen's Penny Apples Nominated for Book of the Decade

IT'S A LONG WAY FROM PENNY APPLES

'Tis better to be born lucky than rich...

There are many ways to confront tragedy and hard times. Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt's tragic - and ultimately uplifting - tale of how one man overcame adversity and found happiness in the New World, is a compelling story that has touched thousands of readers.

It's a Long Way from Penny Apples is another view of the Irish experience, another man's journey out of the grinding poverty that held an entire generation of the people of Ireland in its thrall.

Poverty and its ills can wrench a family apart and ruin countless lives, leaving individuals on their own to find their way, if they can, out of despair and on to a new life. But not every family gives in to defeat. Sometimes the choice is to not leave anyone behind...and out of that love, a family can come together, using all their talents to bring all of their loved ones to a better place.

Bill Cullen was lucky enough to have one such family.

Bill Cullen's story is an account of incredible poverty and deprivation in the Dublin slums. It highlights the frustration of a father and mother feeling their relationship crumble as they fight to give their children a better life. It's a story of courage, joy, and happiness - of how a mother gave inspiration and values to her children, saying to them, "The best thing I can give you is the independence to stand on your own feet."

Vote for "It's a long way from Penny Apples" as your book of the Decade.

 Vote Here