The Unoriginal Sinner and the Ice Cream God

It's about time that this novel has been reprinted. I bought this book about 25 years ago. In that time, I've read it about 15 times. I cry every time I get to the last chapter. Do yourself a favor. When you buy this book, and you will, buy all of the others in the series. You can't go wrong.

This is a book that I have read at least 5 times, and I have purchased many times for friends and family. I feel like I want everyone I know to own a copy of this book. Its a fantastic, heart warming, and touching story, that has some wonderful messages about life. Everyone I have passed it onto feel the same way I do about it. I just love the letters from "God" - our beloved gas station attendant who really knows life and how to live it. I wish there were more books out there like this one.

I just received a hardcopy of the original book from a used bookseller...Over the years I've read and reread this book and purchased every copy that I've happened to come across. I usually end up giving my copies away to others. This is the coming of age story of a young boy named Conroy and his discovery of what life really is, and what life really means or should mean. Conroy questions his Catholic teachers and nuns (and no, you don't have to be Catholic to understand or even be interested in his story). Luckily, along the way Conroy finds someone who really understands what life is all about. It's through Conroy's life and his relationship with "Caepan" through which we laugh, think, and cry. This book gets to me every time. If you ever own only one book, trust me, this is the book.

I first read this book when I was about seventeen. Conroy reminded me of myself in many ways. I could easily identify with many of the situations he faced. John Powers is an amazing author. As I read, I would find myself laughing my head off in one instance, and crying my eyes out a half dozen pages later...especially the last page of the book. I have looked for this book at flea markets and yard sales for many years.I am going to purchase a copy, and highly recommend it. I agree it should be required reading. I have read hundreds of books of all types. Never has a book touched me as this one did. I love it !

I was given this book by a friend while in the US Navy and was on a seven month cruise in the pacific. This book gave me so much entertainment and provoked much thought on the coming of age as well as a good insite to my spirituality. I know that anyone who reads John Powers books will have as much fun in his writings with the rest of his books. I also reccommend " The Last Catholic in America" and "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes really Reflect Up"