test Comments for your JibberBook 5 A wonderful book. I am working on getting it in the Libertyville Library. They said that they didn't want to order it because it hadn't been reviewed by the library idiots and was self published. I told them so were Ben Franklin's books. I related to many people and events. A great read that I highly recommend! Glen Moss Libertyville Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:22:04 -0500 Your wonderful book evoked many memories and feelings. Thank you for making me smile, making me cry, and making me ache to return again some day to the land of my ancestors... - John Roche Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:42:33 -0600 I cannot believe how someone who only came to Arranmore for the first time in 1979 can pretend to know so much about the place. No wonder there are so many inaccuracies and mistakes! Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:09:59 -0500 I returned from my vacation where I read Fado. WOW! It was a fascinating story, made most vivid since I have visited the west of Ireland 6 times in the past 8 years and spent time in Donegal as well as on the Aran Islands which I am sure are similar to your heritage. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and think that you might consider a wider dissemination if possible. What a gift to your son who asked for it. Kind regards, David Bernstein, Santa Anna, CA Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:50:17 -0500 FADO - A REVIEW. The painstaking research is evident in this raw, honest memoir, which has two very interesting parallel chronologies- Ireland, and the USA. It really is fascinating to trace the history of two communities. It grips the reader and holds one's attention to the very last page. Kevin O Donnell paints an acutely accurate and vivid series of pictures with wonderful descriptions of people and places -in Arranmore and in Mundelein, Illinois, his hometown. We are carried along by the flowing narrative and as we walk the journey with him it is not always pleasant. It is in his account of life for him as a child that Kevin excels. The wonderful innocence of youth is beautifully narrated. We laugh and cry in almost equal measure at his escapades. The memoir is brilliantly crafted; the descriptions jump off the page. It is also searingly honest. There is an Irish phrase that springs to mind:- "Bonn an fhrinne searbh"- truth is bitter. But there is no bitterness in this memoir- just an acute understanding of the never ending struggle of his parents and Kevin's unquestioning love for them which shines through like a beacon. My one small criticism is the use of the Irish language. A large number of the words are misspelt- but perhaps, as a native Irish speaker I am being too pedantic. This is a must read book for anyone interested in history. Buy this book, read it, absorb it, then read it again. It is a terrific book from a gifted writer. Kevin, you have left Rory and all of us a real treasure. Aidan Gallagher, Co-author of "Arranmore Links, The Families of Arranmore with stories and some history" Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:59:09 -0500 It seems to me that any praise that is for your book comes from people that do not know about Island life and in particular life on Arranmore Island because if they knew how you rubbished peoples charactors and hurt so many people they too would be discusted and ashamed to know you. If you were any way decent you would post an appolagy to the people of Arranmore that you have hurt its just a pitty that you feel you have done no wrong. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:08:43 -0500 I just wanted to write and thank you for putting your memories and thoughts in your book. Like your music I consider it another gift from you. With similarities in our heritage, family circumstance and age your words and experiences are close to home. You have a deep caring and respect of those places our fathers have walked and the battles they fought. While reading and walking with you in Mundelein, I walked with my brother through my neighborhoods and thought deeply of my Irish roots. Thanks for talking about alcoholism and its destruction. I hope that future generations find a way out through knowledge or peace through recovery. I also pray that the church to which I am eternally bonded finds peace as well. Thanks again Kevin for sharing, reminding, loving and entertaining. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:55:28 -0500 Who wants to know about boring Mundline. Most of the extracts of this is copied from other books that are also inacurate.How can anyone who spends a few days in a place write such a load of nonsence. Most of all the wait for their parents to die before putting pen to paper. I would guess you were quite troubled when you tried to write this rubbish. I would say to you now to withdraw it out of respect for your parents Sat, 29 Aug 2009 06:12:11 -0500 Kevin O'Donnell is a master storyteller. His ability to weave history with his personal accounts make Fado a marvelous read. Kevin has a phenomenal knack of bringing the rich tapestry of Arranmore to life with a combination of frankness and warmth. Anyone who has heard him read passages from his book at signings can see that he has a genuine affection and true passion for the people and land he writes about. I highly recommend this book! Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:13:01 -0500 Hi Kevin I have just read your book i thought i had reason to praise you until i came across the disgusting bag of lies you had wrote.You must of been totally out of it to write such nonsense.You have some neck on you to charge what you are charging for your fantasy stories. Homer simpson would talk more sense than what you have wrote.Good riddence Kevin! Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:16:22 -0500