Tis Unabridged : A Memoir

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Summary: The rest of Angelia's story
Review: After reading Angelia's Ashes, I was certainly looking forward to Tis. Tis picks up where Angelia's Ashes left off and Frank McCourt keeps the reader interested, for the most part. There is some repitition, however, this is Franks writing style and I enjoyed his life in America very much. The only part of the book I did not enjoy was Frank's continious references to his classes and the students. Otherwise, in my estimation Tis is another success. Hat's off Frank.

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Summary: Disappointed? No Way!
Review: I am amazed that some other customers have called Tis disappointing! Mr. McCourt's witty, hilarious observations of New York, American life, his family, the military, teaching, and (best of all) himself are priceless. What others seem to perceive as whining is all part of a refreshingly irreverant self portrait. This guy deserves a Nobel. Sign me up for his next book fast!

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Summary: Extraordinary
Review: TIS is like discovering the work of an old master in your own basement...you keep being startled. What courage it took this man to not just survive, but to become a beloved teacher, given the harsh circumstances of his birth. He is proof of the tenacity of the spirit; yet a sense of victimhood is distinctly missing from his work, throughout his travails he perseveres and keeps his exhuberant sense of humor. While deeply moved, I laughed out loud repeatedly, and was impressed with his mastery of language and character. It's hard to believe he remembers word for word conversations from so long ago, especially after so many "pints": he therefore has reconstructed the most wonderful and fresh dialogue I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This is not a memoir, it is communion. McCourt is a national treasure and his humility is rare and exquisite. I cannot imagine a better book about coming to America, within 'Tis he has given thousands a precious gift, a kind of voice. Perhaps he has even returned the dignity of many forgotten individuals. Additionally, I am sure, placed before this great fame he so richly deserves, was the gift McCourt gave to every single one of his students. I number myself among them. Thank you, Mr. McCourt, for sharing with such beatific wisdom and wry wit your grand story. "My bladder must be next to my eye."

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Summary: Would you like a cup of tea, Mr. McCourt?
Review: I lost many an hour's sleep while reading Angela's Ashes. I simply could not put it down, and could barely wait until Tis showed up at my door so I could find out how things turned out for the McCourts. It was well worth my wait. Frank McCourt's lyrical prose is beautiful, hilarious, and, quite simply, brave. How many of us have been ashamed of the actions of members of our own families? How many of us have been able to put those feelings on paper? How many of us have been able to examine and expose our own faults as clearly and poignantly as Frank McCourt? If Mr. McCourt wrote a hundred books about Ireland, I would read them all. He's the kind of writer you would like to invite into your home and keep there forever. His words feed the soul like a satisfying cup of tea. And while we have not all experienced the poverty and deprivation that plagued his family for so long, there is something in his books that speaks to all of us, and to the truths of our lives. I am sorry for those who dismissed this book as a not-so-worthy follower of Angela's Ashes. I fear those critics lingered too little over the beauty of this story and of this life.

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Summary: Tis a disappointment
Review: Tis was a real disappointment to me after having read and raved about Angela's Ashes. I was left wondering was it just me and did I miss something. Although I do find Frank McCourt's struggles and acomplishment's both amazing and inspiring I just couldn't draw up any enthusiam to read this book. Thus it became a chore and one I kept putting off. Perhaps I should have bought the audio cassette as I do so love to hear Mr. McCourt's dark-sided humor....

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Summary: Tis , Malarkey
Review: That all memoirs are tinged with exageration is to be expected but Frank Mc Cord's second volume, covering his return to the U.S., seems to just much to swallow at one gulp. Within days of arriving back in N.Y. he is accosted by a priest, who returns six months later to apologise! He stops in a Third avenue saloon for his first beer in this country only to be served by a wise old Irish bartender who advises him to give up the drinking life for the study of literature. His sexual adventures include jumping out of bed and a window semiclothed to avoid a jealous boyfriend. But the story that most raised doubts for me was the one concerning a laundry detail he was assigned while a soldier in occupied Germany. He states that a Jewish GI jumped from a truck and fled down the road rather than enter Dachau where the laundry was to be delivered. That a Jew might feel uncomfortble entering Dachau is understandable but that he would act the idiot and flee down a country road is not.The idea that a soldier would leave on a trip with no idea of his destination boggles the mind. The author's statement that he ate in the Dachau mess hall while gazing out the windows at the cremetorium's oven doors must be meant metaphoricaly as having eaten in that messhall for 18 months I know it to be physically impossible. Immigrants to this country have always faced diffculties but one arriving from Ireland in the fifties would have it easier in many ways than others of different nationalities and times. But Irishman can all tell good stories and Frankie follows in that grand tradition. To sum up my opinion of his book I will use an expression he is obviously very fond of. " I wouldn't give it a fiddlers fart"

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Summary: 'Tis a Shame
Review: Major dissapointment. I enjoyed "Angela's Ashes" and as a second generation Irish-American believed much of what he said to be true, based on similair stories I heard from my own childhood. I also enjoyed his quick wit an humor. Tis was pathetic, what exactly did Frank McCourt contribute to society when he came to the U.S.? All he does is whine,talk about his sloppy drinking, and treat all the women in his life with total disrespect. There are so many wonderful stories of the Irish that came to the U.S. and built companies and contributed to their communities it is a shame he adds fuel to the notion that the Irish are lazy. A complete waste of time I have lost all respect for him as a writer and more important as a gentleman.

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Summary: McCourt remains an honest, open, positive voice
Review: I found Tis to be such a wonderful read. Of course, the inevitable comparison is being made to Angela's Ashes. To McCourt's credit, this book holds its own. A different voice, a man's voice, than the child of McCourt's first memoir; Frank McCourt remains honest, grounded and rich with detail. McCourt has the ability to bring the reader into his world. It is, in fact, an attestment to his talents that so many people have commented on the way his life "should have" gone, based on what they saw in Angela's Ashes. McCourt unabashedly shares with us his pains, joys, fears, and inner thoughts. He cares not our interpretation of his life's path, and he weaves the story with passion and detail. Reading 'Tis, the reader will once again find himself enriched with the images that McCourt covers him with. An enjoyable journey with a man who is not afraid to share with us his heart and soul. A true gift.

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Summary: Reader's Choice
Review: The man who won a Pulitzer for ANGELA'S ASHES does not emerge from 'TIS with his past grandeur. Only when he continues with the story of his family does he touch on literary excellence. One is interested in what happened to his family, what happen to Frank McCourt in America,and possibly finding the key to his genius.Instead he feeds the reader endless character sketches and boring classroom scenes. The repetitious narative (Michael what's left of him) at times became tiresome, but then Frank McCourt astounds the reader with his unique style born of heartfelt love for family. And this, after all, is why the reader will choose 'TIS!

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Summary: So many mixed reviews...
Review: Isn't it funny how there are so many mixed reviews of both 'Tis and Angelas Ashes. I really enjoyed both books. I think if you were not raised in a catholic family you would be able to understand some of Frank's thoughts. If you were raised in a wealthy family...you would not be able to understand his thoughts and feelings. It takes you into a different frame of mind, to feel for him and he makes you feel as if you are right there with him through all of his troubles, pains and triumphs. Both of these books are excellent!