Writer Frank McCourt Dead At 78

Sorry to read this, MJ. I’m Boston Irish and Angela’s Ashes was one of the only times I’d ever really identified with extreme poverty–that it could have been me or my family as easily as it was his.

Imaging being deathly ill from meningitis and dying of skin cancer? A twist in his tale.

Having seen firsthand the home and neighborhood he grew up in in Limerick Ireland, it made me truly undestand the depth of poverty he experienced as a child and young man. If you haven’t read Angela’s Ashes, run, don’t walk to the nearest bookstore/library. What an incredible book.

R.I.P Mr. McCourt

I didn’t read the book, which I’m sure is fantastic. But I did see the movie. What an incredible story. I’m sorry to hear that Frank McCourt has passed.

How very sad. I’d heard he was ill. I had much in common with the man. His mother and my mother were cut from the same cloth (On the Relative Death of a Child). I don’t know if it’s the heritage or the poverty. Perhaps both. So many parallels – more even than just shared background and upbringing: we both changed careers later in life, he and I. ‘Angela’s Ashes’ inspired me to write about who I was (and am) – and where I came from. I’d dearly love to have met the man. Something tells me we would have had much to talk about.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him. Ar dheis D go raibh a anam.

Wow, how trippy is this. I just finished posting something about Frank McCourt on my facebook!

I think that although I didn’t share the same background, I so identified with this book, and his story. He was such a wonderful story teller, and I loved Angela’s Ashes, ‘Tis didn’t pack the same emotional wallop for me, but it was still an interesting saga. Stories like his are so inspiring, and books like his make me feel sad for people who never pick up a book. The movie was good, but Angela’s Ashes, the book, was an experience. RIP, Mr. McCourt.

and books like his make me feel sad for people who never pick up a book

I bought Angela’s Ashes, in hardcover, and was not able to get through it. Too gut-wrenching. I think the combination of exteme poverty, defenseless children and the fact that the events portrayed in it actually happened made the task too difficult. For me anyway.

Maybe someday.

I heard last week he had Meningitis and was not expected to make it. Angela’s Ashes is one of those books that has stuck with me for years. Made me bawl my eyes out.

How sad. My sister was just asking me last night whether there was a movie made based on the book and I told her I think there was one. I loved Angela’s Ashes. (I know too many people like the dad and could certainly relate to poverty.) RIP, Mr. McCourt.

I was thinking of getting Tis but I remember hesitating as I also thought the more grown up Frank didn’t seem too likeable.

EW.com Had a nice tribute article about Frank McCourt today:

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2009/07/19/frank-mccourt-obit-angelas-ashes/

Angela’s Ashes was a remarkable book, one of my all time favorites. Those who haven’t read it should consider doing so. I saw the movie also, but in my opinion, this book is written so well, with such an amazingly descriptive narrative, that the movie just doesn’t do the book justice. RIP Frank McCourt.

This is so sad. Angela’s Ashes was heartwrenching, one of the most powerful and effective memoirs I have ever read.

That’s so sad. I read Angela’s Ashes in high school and was both heartbroken and blown away by the writing. him screaming “you drank the money pa!” is one of the many images that has remained stuck in my brain. i had never been moved to tears by a book until Mr. McCourt’s words got a hold of me. I didn’t ever read ‘Tis because i heard it didn’t stand up to the first one and I didn’t want to diminish how much i loved Angela’s Ashes. I hope he found peace in his adult life.

I heard about last night as I was about to go to bed (GMT 3 here) and it saddened me so.
I love Angela’s Ashes, was disappointed by ‘Tis.

RIP Frank.

“Angela’s Ashes” was harrowing and thoroughly depressed me. I almost didn’t finish. His hauntingly powerful writing kept me going though.

Rip Mr. McCourt.

I loved Angela’s Ashes. My grandmother was Irish and Angela reminded me of her. One of my grandma’s favorite expressions was, ‘Shut your pie hole.’  RIP Frank.

I bought Angela’s Ashes, in hardcover, and was not able to get through it.

Everyone in my family raved about it but I don’t think I even got through two chapters. I couldn’t put myself through it. Not sure how others could…

Wow, I hadn’t heard that he was ill. So sad. He’s probably one of my favorite authors. Although ‘Tis and Teacher Man were not as compelling as Angela’s Ashes, I just loved his written voice so much I would read anything of his. In fact, I loved his spoken voice too– I encourage anyone who enjoys audiobooks to get any of his books in audio form. He narrates them himself, and his wonderful voice and accent really make the audiobooks great listens.

I loved the movie – have yet to read the book although I do own it.

Rest in Peace.

Angela’s Ashes was next up on my reading list. I was going to get it 3 weeks ago at the library but it was checked out, so I was waiting for my next trip. Then I heard he was ill. I’ve read ‘Tis and think him a remarkable writer with a truly interesting life story. Now I bet it will be checked out of the library again…better borrow it from my sister. ooh – audio book would be good for this.

Truly sad news. I loved Angela’s Ashes as well and would rank it in my top ten. As sad as it could be, Mr. McCourt’s warmth and humor shined through. He was a charming storyteller and I imagined what a great teacher he must have been. May he RIP.

I’m sorry to hear this. I have much respect for this author.

yeah agree with you MJ, i loved Angela’s Ashes and it was very real for me. but Tis not so much.