I just finished Al Capone Does My Shirts and I absolutely loved it. While Capone plays a big part in the book (set in the 1930s), I really love it because the story is mostly about family. It is about the relationship between the main character Moose and his sister Natalie. Even though Natalie is older than Moose, her mental age is much younger and the relationship they have together is both difficult yet heartwarming.
In addition to the family aspect, the story has the unique setting of being on Alcatraz hence the connection to Al Capone who once served time there. I especially love the genuine picture of Alcatraz at the front of the book labeled with information that fits the characters of the book. Even though the ending of the book is somewhat predictable, it brings the story full circle so nicely. Lastly, I enjoyed that much of the circumstances in the story were based on factual occurrences, like the fact that Capone did do laundry while serving time on Alcatraz. Who knew laundry could be so cool?
The biggest problem (?) with the book is that it does sort of leave the reader really liking Al Capone!!! :0) If you read the author’s note at the end of the book it does explain Capone’s dual nature of bad and good but it just made me think…hmmm….I am still leaving this book liking a murderer.
Read the book and let me know if you think I am crazy or if you see where I am coming from.
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2 comments:
I'll check it out. ;)
I'm glad you liked it,Thanks for taking the suggestion. Yes it is kind of weird how the author leads you to like Al Capone, but I think it goes along with a less obvious theme of the story, the good and bad in everyone. Onion 105 must've done something bad but he was genuinely good to Natalie, and Piper who is often manipulative can be sincere and kind.
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