Roddy Doyle was born in Dublin in 1958 and saw his first novel, "The Commitments" published in 1987. It was later adapted for the big screen, a version that saw Star Trek's Colm Meaney and a very young Andrea Corr among the cast. Doyle went on to win the Booker Prize in 1993 with "Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha".

"The Commitments" is set in north Dublin and follows Jimmy Rabbite's attempts to bring soul "back" to the city. The band that Jimmy puts together - The Commitments pf the book's title - needs a little work. However, despite the fact that most of the band are still young, the raw talent appears to be there. The group's one 'old-timer' is their trumpet player, Joey 'The Lips' Fagan. Joey not only has the talent, he also apparently has the pedigree : he hold jazz in low regard and has performed with - among others - Otis, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett and Booker T and the MGs. Joey, who insists on calling everyone Brother (or Sister, if it's a Commitmentette), plays a big part in holding the band togetherthrough many dark days. (These dark days are largely caused by Deco Cuffe, the band's vocalist - a singer with a big voice, but unfortunately with a bigger ego...).

"The Commitments" is a very enjoyable, short and easy read - even funnier if you've actually spent any time in Dublin. (Bloody Jackeens !). The language is occasionally a little ripe, and while a little familiarity with the Dublin dialect wouldn't be a bad thing, it's definitely recommended.

To the finder:

Welcome to BookCrossing!

Please make a journal entry to let me know that this book has been caught so I know that it has found a good home with you. I hope you like the book, but I'd be grateful if you'd let me know what you thought of it by making another journal entry when you've finished it.

Then, whenever you are ready to send it on its way, make a journal entry if you are giving or sending this book to a known person, or a release note if you are leaving it “in the wild” again for anyone to catch. Then watch its journey.

If you've decided to sign up, you’ll be alerted by e-mail each time someone makes another journal entry. And it’s confidential (you are known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your e-mail address), free, and spamless !

Some faqs : http://www.bookcrossing.com/faqs

Thanks for stopping by, have fun!

Costa Coffee.