Frank McCourt???

Question

I really enjoyed Angelas Ashes but was not so keen on Tis and Teacher Man! Waht did everyone else think? Also any suggestions for other good books!

Answer 1

I totally agree with you. It was a bit of a disappointment for me. What sort of great books do you mean? Autobiographies like this or fiction? For the first try Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson. Really enjoyable with a warm sort of humour. For the latter try The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler- I loved it. The writer is so aware of human failures and so understanding about them. The book is funny, warm and very human. And if you happen to be interested in travelogues, read Bill Bryson. He is intrigued by the world like a young child and his books always give me a good laugh.

Answer 2

His brother Malachy McCourt wrote a book as well called "A monk Swimming" It is equally fatastic, and I agree I think Angela's ashes was much more intersting, Thogh I did enjoy T'is aswell

A Hundred and One Days: A Baghdad Journal - Asne Seierstad

any of the 3 books written by dave pelzer

Answer 3

I thought Angela's Ashes was depressing as hell, but any book that makes you feel anything is a book well-written.

If you're interested in the McCourts, Frank's younger brother (Malachy) also wrote an autobiography of their childhood, which I seem to recall was slightly more cheerful. Can't remember the title, though, so I'll have to look it up.

PS It was 'A Monk Swimming' (= "amongst women"?)

Answer 4

I haven't read Teacher Man, only Angela's Ashes and 'Tis, which I read back to back some year ago.

I felt that Angela's Ashes had more heart to it, it was more of a complete story which ended with the ending of a chapter in his life. 'Tis just seemed to be an epilogue to Angela's Ashes which, whilst interesting and I wanted to know what happened to him, just didn't seem as fascinating and did not stand up in its own right.

Answer 5

Loved Angela's Ashes and while I enjoyed 'Tis, McCourt was way too much into himself by then. Fame ruins great artist.

Answer 6

Liked Angela's Ashes, didn't read the other 2 though.
One of the best books I've read in ages is "This Side of Brightness" by Colum McCann. Or for a good weep try Jodi Piccoult "My Sister's Keeper" - she has loads of books but all very similar themes, so one should be enough!

Answer 7

I think Frank McCourt had a great story to tell and told it well - but sometimes you can't bottle lightening. It's often difficult for authors to repeat after such tremendous success. Look at Nicholas Sparks... great first book out of the gate, but the others are simply lackluster.

It's why they refer to the sophmore slump... you spend years, decades even, perfecting your first book... then you're expected to turn out more within months of that success. Hard to do even for the best and brightest.

My absolute favorite Irish story is TRINITY by Leon Uris.

Answer 8

Liked angelas ashes, thought 'tis was better and havent read teacher man.

Answer 9

I actually like Teacher Man....cos i'ma teacher so go figure. But nothing beats Angela's Ashes

Answer 10

i could not agree more with your statement on the frank mccourt books, i thought the first one was great too, the others were ok but not as good, jean greens books are great, i have read nearly all her books.