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After the Roof Caved In: An Immigrant's Journey from Ireland to America
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 read, and a heartfelt, deeply moving meditation on an extraordinary life.
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 read, and a heartfelt, deeply moving meditation on an extraordinary life.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2020
23 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Dowling
4 books14 followersI'm a health care optimist who's excited about trends that are leading US medical care toward greater quality, safety, access and affordability. Visit me on Twitter @michaeljdowling
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 5, 2025
Loved the story being from Irish immigrant parents myself. Could totally relate on the difficult beginnings and the journey to New York, his love and appreciation for his new city, and determination to be successful. An inspirational man.
Found it not well written and repetitive in certain areas which is why the 3 star rating.
Found it not well written and repetitive in certain areas which is why the 3 star rating.
November 15, 2020
An easy book to read but not an easy subject, in many ways. Michael was born into a dirt-poor Irish family in a small Irish village in Limerick, to a violent father and a deaf but caring mother. His mother encouraged him to study, but his father was against him staying on at school, and wanted him to work instead.
Michael was a hard worker from an early age, but even at school he was discouraged from staying on to study. He was not deterred: and over the coming years worked hard at school and outside of school, earning enough money to put himself through university in Dublin and then earn a Masters degree in the USA.
A rags to riches story, one that will hopefully inspire and encourage readers to work hard and make something of themselves. He's quick to admit mistakes he made, and to highlight things he did right.
Michael has been a well-respected figure in the world of healthcare in the USA for many years now, and still visits his home town in Ireland regularly.
The book ends with a list of non-fiction books he recommends for improving your life and for people who want to lead and go on to make a difference. Some interesting choices here, worth exploring.
Michael was a hard worker from an early age, but even at school he was discouraged from staying on to study. He was not deterred: and over the coming years worked hard at school and outside of school, earning enough money to put himself through university in Dublin and then earn a Masters degree in the USA.
A rags to riches story, one that will hopefully inspire and encourage readers to work hard and make something of themselves. He's quick to admit mistakes he made, and to highlight things he did right.
Michael has been a well-respected figure in the world of healthcare in the USA for many years now, and still visits his home town in Ireland regularly.
The book ends with a list of non-fiction books he recommends for improving your life and for people who want to lead and go on to make a difference. Some interesting choices here, worth exploring.
March 4, 2021
Following a Leader .
Mr. Dowling is the CEO of an organization, he is the leader of that organization that I am privileged to work in. I find the story of his life , interesting and shows the origin of his drive.
Honest and inspiring...
Mr. Dowling is the CEO of an organization, he is the leader of that organization that I am privileged to work in. I find the story of his life , interesting and shows the origin of his drive.
Honest and inspiring...
October 11, 2025
A memoir in the Horatio Alger mold. Dowling should rightfully be proud of his success, yet retains a humbleness and gratitude for the people who have helped him along. He paints an unflinching portrait of his childhood, which in the 1950s and 60s was not far removed from the 1850s and 60s. He is introspective regarding his family dynamics, describing his father's abuse and cruelty as he remembers it but also shows understanding of the culture and upbringing that contributed to his father's behavior. More importantly, Dowling has worked hard not to pass this legacy down to the next generation.
Dowling's success is due to hard work and discipline. But he also credits good luck and providential breaks that went his way as factors in overcoming his origins and society's (and some of his family's) low expectations for his path in life.
Dowling's success is due to hard work and discipline. But he also credits good luck and providential breaks that went his way as factors in overcoming his origins and society's (and some of his family's) low expectations for his path in life.
August 15, 2021
Best book of the summer. Inspirational, relevant, educational!
March 8, 2025
totally enjoyed this book.
September 14, 2022
Northwell Health CEO tells an interesting recount of his rise from humble origins.
January 21, 2026
An inspiring and authentic recount of the CEO Northwell Health. A true leader and beacon in the health industry, unwavering in his commitment towards equitable healthcare and robust public health infrastructure. Proud employee moment
January 10, 2025
One of the BEST autobiographies I have ever read. Michael has a captivating way of storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews