Kick Her Again; She's Irish
Mary and Colin O'Reiley, 2012
CreateSpace
143 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781475126594
Summary
Marie O’Reiley is outside screaming at the world. Her children watch through the living room window as the police come and arrest her for disturbing the peace, leaving them alone in the house.
Thus begins the astonishing true story of a family always living on the brink of disaster. The story unfolds, told through the eyes of Marie’s children. Not only are they impoverished, but they are dealing with Marie’s erratic and often bizarre behavior.
Through it all shines Marie's sense of humor and her unconventional ways of dealing with her difficult situation. How they manage to not only survive, but to grow into well-adjusted adults is a true story that shows how the miracle of love can overcome all obstacles.
Author Bio
Marie O'Reiley always said that if anyone wrote a book about her life it should be called Kick Her Again; She's Irish. The title haunted her son, Colin, through the years until his wife decided it was time to tell Marie's story. To protect the family, the names have been changed and the authors' identities will have to remain a mystery. (From the authors.)
Discussion Questions
1. How would you describe Marie’s raising of her children?
2.In today’s world, Sean, Colin and Katie would very possibly be under child protection. Do you feel Sean, Colin and Katie were better off living with their Mother or child protection?
3.Since the author did not live this experience, do you think having each sibling tell his or her story was an effective way to tell the story?
4.What did you think of the children’s different reactions to the same event?
5.Describe the different rituals the children developed to cope with their situation.
6.Katie wrote that Marie made their life fun. How do you think that helped the children cope later in life?
7.How did you react to Sean’s statement about using their Cuban renters’ electric power when he said, “They had a lot more money so they could afford it”?
8.Despite her craziness, the children were glad to have their mother home after two months with Nana. What does that say about Marie’s relationship with her children?
(Questions courtesy of the authors and the Amesbury Book Club.)
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