After the Roof Caved In

An Immigrant's Journey from Ireland to America

By: Michael J. Dowling, Charles Kenney

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The moving story of an Irish immigrant's life from a poverty-stricken childhood in Ireland to becoming a captain of industry, After the Roof Caved In is a powerful, poignant look at how hard work and education enabled one young man to change his life and circumstances completely.

Today, Michael J. Dowling is president and CEO of Northwell Health, New York State's largest healthcare provider and private employer, with over 68,000 employees and over 700 facilities. But he grew up in deep poverty in the village of Knockaderry in rural Ireland, in a small home without running water or a stable roof, in a family with little hope for improvement and a place with little opportunity - and he overcame it all to become wildly successful.

After the Roof Caved In is Dowling's rags-to-riches story of his life and journey from his destitute youth to his realization of the power of education and his eventual departure from his home to attend university in Cork and onward through his life as he gradually improved himself and his circumstances.

Full of memories both fond and painful, this powerful memoir examines the family dynamics of his childhood - including the lives of his deaf mother and arthritic father - as well as the social systems of the time, the politics and concerns of the day, and the way a variety of disparate events came together to help Dowling change his life completely. Most importantly, it chronicles his lifelong effort to rise above the circumstances into which he was born and to create the sort of life he dreamed possible.

For anyone interested in the stories of immigrants, the experiences of the Irish in the mid-20th century, or the value of hard work and education in changing one's life, After the Roof Caved In is an essential listen and a heartfelt, deeply moving meditation on an extraordinary life.

©2020 Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. (P)2021 Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.

Inspirational: The Full Irish-American Experience

Michael Dowling’s life story opens with less than humble beginnings and is in essence a three part tale of overcoming adversity, leaving home for parts unknown and a love letter to his family and the small village where he grew up. Lovely.

Excellent Rags-to-Riches with Some Flaws

Michael J. Dowling’s book is an inspiring rags-to-riches story. His honest inclusion of details not flattering, such as his first encounter with a teabag in America (he tore it opened and dumped the tea leaves into the cup of hot water) and his entrance onto the college campus looking for a building with a sign reading, “College” (a kind nun directed him to the registrar). Yet, the latter part of the book grows tedious with his detailed description of public health policy, hero worship of Mario Cuomo, and bluster about anti-immigrant sentiment that seems exaggerated.

Story of a Charismatic man

Fascinating story of a man who came from very humble beginnings and became a great leader and visionary. I particularly liked that my heritage traces back to that same great land know as Ireland! Great story!!

Great read

Hearing the back story of a successful immigrant that contributes so much to our country. Including becoming a citizen. His charitable works give hope that there still are good people.

A Beautifully told story

A truly beautiful tribute to an immigrants life journey…highs and lows honestly shared. As a Nurse and daughter of Irish immigrants I experienced the entire range of emotions hearing the details of the Dowling family…thank you for sharing. And yes, a good ending indeed.

Eye-opening life, story of one of healthcare‘s greats

This novel gave me an amazing perspective into Michael Dowling, who will be remembered as one of healthcare‘s greatest reformers, optimists, and visionaries.