Book Log 2009 #4: The Pope's Children by David McWilliams

In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited Ireland, a notable moment for a small and very Catholic country, and it is the generation born in and around that visit - some 620,000 people - that McWilliams tags as the drivers of Ireland's economic boom, facilitated by Ireland's membership in the European Monetary Union, which gave the Irish easier access to low-interest German loans.

The book apparently goes on to talk about this generation's creativity and how they're reshaping the country, but as I quit after about 100 pages I can't vouch for that. While most reviews praise the book for its readability I had a very hard time getting even 100 pages in. The basic ideas and facts are repeated mercilessly, which while effective (I don't think I'll ever forget that 620,000 figure) is pretty irritating.

I'll admit to also being put off a bit in the way McWilliams describes this generation's behavior and tasts as it sounds like the Irish are becoming, well, Americans. And really, if I want to read about Lexus-driving GenX/Y assholes, I can pick up Boston magazine.