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Summary: The Melancolia of Frank McCourt
Review: I too couldn't wait to get my hands on this book after hearing Angela's Ashes audio in the author's voice. It's not possible to read this book without an Irish brogue dancing in your head. The melancholy of McCourt's humor does more than hint at the history of drunkeness that carries over into the next generation - it's really sad that brother Malachy's pub became so popular, the place to be, because of lots of drink and the raucous fun that sometimes goes with it. I couldn't help but feel Frank hit a deep chord in all of us who at one time or other, for one reason or another, didn't quite fit in - him with his red-rimmed runny eyes, and 'wrong' clothes. But was he not the cleverest English teacher for devising a way to get the illiterate bunch assigned him to love to learn? Teachers take note. The ending was a surprise, not as I would have liked. It wrapped up Angela's saga, perhaps it was Frank's way of saying he doesn't have another book in him. What a pity that would be.
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Summary: Tis McCourt's life
Review: I have read both books Angela's Ashes and Tis. Although,Angela's Ashes had more of a gentle perspective basically from a child's point of view. Tis perspective was more of coming of age (not in Samoa)in the USA. Nevertheless, Mr.McCourt did capture my attention and I found myself at times looking forward to the next chapter. What is great about human beings is that in face of adversity and hardship,humans do prevail and some accomplish greatness.Thank you Mr.McCourt for sharing your life with me and world and may God Bless.
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Summary: We all live in hope
Review: Yes, we do all live in hope, unfortunately, I was disappointed with the result of Tis.Angela's Ashes was my first experience with Irish culture and I was entranced by Frank's story. Unfortunatley, the ramblings and constant whining in Tis was mediocre. Is it no wonder that the early years in Limerick seem much more gay than those spent in NY (where Frank was desperate to live - but ended up always the outsider) Wake up buddy - we are ALL outsiders
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Summary: 'Tis no Angela's Ashes
Review: I have to admit that I was quite disappointed with 'Tis. In my opinion, Angela's Ashes contained more emotion than 'Tis. With Angela's Ashes, you "knew" who Frank McCourt was but with 'Tis, you only knew what he did with his life. I was anxious to read 'Tis to find out what happened with Frank's life. Although some of Frank's journeys as an adult were adventurous, there were some aspects that just weren't even worth reading. Angela's Ashes seemed to delve more into the heart and soul of Frank McCourt whereas 'Tis seemed to be missing this. 'Tis pales in comparison to Angela's Ashes. As long as you know this before reading 'Tis, you'll be able to get through it.
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Summary: Recommended, but ...
Review: It's not as good as Angela's Ashes but I would hardly say it's terrible either. I've noticed that there seems to be an inverse correlation between the (relative) degree of creature comforts present in McCourt's life at any given time and the quality of the story (and the stories within the story). In other words, when McCourt is scrubbing toilets and literally unsure of where his next meal is coming from (i.e. most of the first half of the book), it is never less than interesting. By contrast, as McCourt became closer to settling into middle-class American life (for example when he started teaching), it seemed that the book began to flag frequently and the book just wasn't as good. Of course, by this theory Angela's Ashes itself should have been--and indeed was-excellent. After all, it was extreme suffering throughout.
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Summary: An annoying and pathetic sequel to Angela's Ashes
Review: There are very few books that I wish I never bothered to pick up and read, but this is one of them! Frank McCourt wrote a beautifully insightful and humorous book, and then ruined the warm fuzzy feelings with his sequel. Rather than feeling empathetic towards the characters described in Tis: A Memoir, I felt pity and a certain amount of contempt. In this respect the author does succeed in evoking an emotional response from his readers, but I'm certain it is not the intended one. This is the story of a young struggling man, fresh off the boat from Ireland. He whines and complains and lets us know ad nauseum how unfair it all is. While his mother is treated with respect and care, his wife (neighbors, co-workers, students)suffer abuse. The style maybe the same as in Angela's Ashes, but with none of the humour and depth of human spirit.
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Summary: Frank McCourt is incredible
Review: This book is a relative sigh to the reader who is already in love with Frank McCourt, and eager to know what happens to him in New York. It is not Angela's Ashes, but it has some things that it doesn't have. I loved the part with the dog who was his friend when he was so sad there in the war, training war dogs. McCourt is still full of touching and hilarious stories which are much too incredible to be fiction. McCourt has the most incredible voice of any contemporary author. He is engaging and endearing. I am in awe of his writing, and am overwhelmed with respect for his perserverence. I am so glad that he decided to share his life with the world.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Follow-up to Angela's Ashes
Review: 'Tis is the tale of Frank McCourt's adulthood, and his adulthood is less depressing -- and a bit less interesting -- than his childhood. You won't find much in the way of chamber pots and consumption here, but you will find the same poetic writing that made Angela's Ashes such a wonderful book. I enjoyed Angela's Ashes more, but I'm glad to have seen how everything turned out.
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Summary: 'Tis Great
Review: I truly enjoyed this book, inspite of the fact that by the end of it I wanted to shake Frank McCourt and tell him to cheer up and enjoy life. The book was very well written, and I was so drawn into Frank's world that by the time I finished the book, I was beginning to think and talk in the style that book was written. I believe one has to look past the whining to understand what Frank McCourt was trying to say. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading a well written book.
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Summary: Tis a delight, it is
Review: Okay, so it's not the great book Angela's Ashes was. It's lovely all on its own. McCourt is a writer of uncommon wit, sensitivity and honesty. (I wonder how many of us have such a clear-eyed understanding of our own faults and weaknesses?) I especially loved the passages about school and the teachers' lounge, as I tend to forget how hard teachers work and appreciate the reminder. And I appreciated Frank's own performance of his work. Malachy isn't the only ham in this family!
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