Frank McCourt reads from "Angela's Ashes" and discusses his memoirs

[@christinepilling2915]

I was working as a NYC teacher and attended a UFT conference in Manhattan where Frank was a guest speaker .He signed my copy of Angela’s Ashes .We chatted a moment .What a memory !All the more special now that I have retired .RIP ,Frank .

[@MatthewMHsquared]

I’d like to thank you greatly for keeping this golden interview posted,

[@Missditabomb]

I met the lovely and charming Frank McCourt in 2005. I read and re-read his books, (and Malachy's), quite often. I was beside myself with grief when he passed away. It sounds strange to say this, but I always kind of miss him. I guess it was the sweetness he showed at our meeting and in the way I feel we had parallel lives. If he could make his life so extraordinary after his "miserable Irish Catholic childhood", well.......................no I couldn't be as great, EVER, but I knew their was another human being on the planet who suffered in ways that I did and in some odd way, that made us connected like family. Miss you, Frankie!!!

[@leeoutlaw23]

His books were what got me into reading and got me involved in school and writing. I owe a lot of my inspirations in this life to this man. Thank you and your brother for what you've given me. Truthfully

[@hocopolitso]

Frank would be happy to hear you say that. Adding another reader to the world was one of his favorite goals. Take care, keep reading!

[@danamania667]

I loved it. I find Frank McCourt inspiring and entertaining. I wish I could have met him. He is my first literary hero and I could listen to his audio book rendition of Angelas Ashes for hours on end. Bravo!

[@hocopolitso]

danamania667 Thanks so much for watching. Mr. McCourt was a gentleman and a scholar, and was charming throughout his visit with us, one of his last big readings before he passed away. Feel free to watch shows featuring other Irish authors, including Colum McCann, Anne Enright, Paul Durcan and many more.

[@claudiajoshi3921]

my all time favourite author..... to be able to laugh through the tears....priceless!

[@mindy2215]

If you have not read angela's Ashes, read it. It is an incredible piece of art that has to be read

[@phhiggins]

It's all lies

[@TheBuckylynn]

@@phhiggins Says whom....?

[@theresahayes4294]

​@@phhiggins No it isn't ALL lies..its how he wrote it..he is an Outstanding Writer and Story Teller. It By No means was all Lies.

[@phhiggins]

What about the girl in Bavaria?​@@theresahayes4294

[@phhiggins]

what about the girl in Bavaria?​@@theresahayes4294

[@lornacallaghan1574]

My mother was reared the same as you. She's 90 now and I'm looking after her to make sure her life is better on the way out than it was in the way in. X

[@millieschattime9924]

I absolutely loved the movie and Mr Mc Court is so humble..

[@coolrunnings3]

millie mill The book is sooo much better Millie, u whould really love it!

[@hocopolitso]

Thanks so much for watching. He was an amazing presence at our reading, and absolutely hilarious one on one.

[@YaraPNdeSa]

I had to read Angela’s Ashes when I was in school (Brazil), and it impacted me so much. It’s lovely to be able to watch Mr. McCourt’s interview. He mentions here his favorite writer, Jonathan Swift; now I’m going to read something by him.

[@jasWerner-qt5wj]

He read swift to an older man who was blind in Limerick

[@519djw6]

"Angela's Ashes" is such a wonderful book! I remember that, when I first read it, I started to imagine the narrator telling his story in what I imagined was an Irish brogue. This added a music to it that was, of course, not on the printed page. And much to my surprise, the excerpt that Frank McCourt read in this interview had a cadence that was much like what it I had imagined it would be like.

[@michaelcollins5141]

what i would've given to have met this remarkable man. may he rest in peace.

[@leeoutlaw23]

I always said if there were 3 people I could talk to dead or alive he was on that list.

[@stalag14]

What an incredible life. Nothing but love and respect for Frank and his entire family.

[@WalterWWelle]

Well done. I only just discovered these books within the last few months. I'm on teacher man now. I'm looking forward to his brothers memoirs also. What a life, what a family and what a story, truly amazing and inspirational.

[@kamanjakaranja]

Really enjoyed his works. I have these three books at home...keeping them safely for my children to read someday

[@kamanjakaranja]

True... i mean it... Frank McCourt

[@s928704]

I highly recommend Frank McCourt's works!

[@MyNazlee]

I love the book, never have I enjoyed a book so much. TQ Mr Mc Court

[@brianwalsh1401]

I was on my way to a class when I heard Frank McCourt being interviewed on NPR. I was drawn in immediately by his story. As soon as I got out of class I went to a bookstore and bought his book and read it in no time. I've read it many times and also his other 2 books as well. His first book was my favorite though. Angela's Ashes was equal parts misery and hilarity. I'm glad he told his story but that miserable childhood cost him and his siblings a lot of pain and anguish.

[@gasaholic47]

A friend of mine was a student of his at Stuyvesant. A very demanding, but very good teacher according to her.

[@AshLoRo]

Thats just Irish people in general, as an Irish person. Its a trait were just brought up with. Everybody in ireland, if you get to know them well enough, you would find its a trait of ours. Hence the hard working, were known for, and its tough over here, even now.

[@carlam.7617]

I have all 3 of Frank's books on audio cds and I absolutely love them. I know them by heart!! If he would've written a 100 books i would have bought them all. I love to listen to him talk and tell his stories. I love his accent. I would've loved to have met him. I'm a huge fan. Rest Peacefully In Heaven Mr. McCourt.

[@cjm-nd2mn]

Imagine him being your grandfather I could listen to him all day lol

[@BelatedCommiseration]

I know why people were queuing up the block and milling round the lecture halls to hear his 'tale of misery'...it because most peoples lives are miserable, or hard, and they relate to someone who comes through it, not only fighting, but with a real sense of humour! I really wish Frank Mcourt was my teacher at school! I also wish that I was half as good at dealing with my miserable life as he was!

[@jameswerner655]

Thanks that is Exactly The overall point.and you Articulated it perfectly. Every one rich poor famous has Problems. This is about Redemption and overcoming those obstacles. Frank McCourt won Awards as a Teacher. That alone is an Accomplished life. To win a Pulitzer.prize in a retirement is even Beyond his Wildest dreams.he stated as much in other interviews.

[@leeoutlaw23]

#FACTS #ALLFACTS

[@nangfathai]

It was his experience as a child!!!!! A memoir is not meant to be a 100% true. It is his story and it is also a piece of literature!!! It's wonderful and I can't understand why people try to ruin it...

[@jeancarmody4564]

nangfathai because people are dickheads

[@TradIrishHarper]

I read Angela’s Ashes many years ago a wept often throughout it.

[@paulcannon5065]

Love Frank's books he has given us an insight into poverty & the religious hypocrisy in Ireland .A very lovely, humble man.❤️

[@Kitiwake]

"Religious hypocrisy". Neither fair nor correct. A religion by definition cannot be hypocrisy. It takes a person to act below the standards they impose on others, to fall within that definition.

[@joannecheek5669]

Most Definitly a classic. Great reading

[@nookiekitten]

I read the first two pages.... I have never stopped since. R.I.P. Mr. McCourt. Lived your younger life growing up...not as Irish/catholic but same as in England

[@jasWerner-qt5wj]

Listening to him read passage at the end from book is priceless.... Brings it back to Catolic school 60 years ago

[@lpssnowleoperd3806]

My grandfather was in their class in Leamys school. Said frank was very brazen. He was pals with malachy. Met malachy last week here in limerick. Great guy. RIP frank.

[@brianwalsh1401]

Brazen meaning what? I would love to know.

[@johnniegonzales4853]

I Love Frank McCourt 's Books.

[@octoberqueen4239]

I listen to the audiobook every night, Frank reading Angela's Ashes. I usually listen to cassettes 10 and 11, after his dad left and the worst starvation was over and Frank was working. About his worthless dad, the man was never emotionally or physically cruel to his children or his wife, except for failing to provide a living.

[@chudoza7775]

great author loved his books wish we had more

[@celticpridedrums]

Truly the dullest interviewer sitting with the most brilliant writer of all time.

[@hocopolitso]

I'm so glad Frank made you laugh and cry -- his books truly elicit feelings.

[@dn7877]

My absolute favorite book

[@hocopolitso]

Memoir is a murky business, but it's unquestionable that his childhood was made much worse by his father's alcoholism and abuse, and that McCourt wrote the book brilliantly. Thanks for watching, and commenting.

[@Anna-6yh]

The book is so beautiful, very touching ♥️

[@SpeegBJ]

Dear Mr. McCourt (wherever you are), You're convincing me in this video that I'll write it down, no matter what. Yes, people 'get me off the subject' and want to know about my life that seems to keep their rapt attention more than anything else I have to say. Currently reading 'Tis..and well, thanks, Frank.

[@hocopolitso]

+Bonnie Speeg Dear Bonnie, Yes, write it down. This series of interviews with writers is meant to inform, but also to inspire. Who knows? Maybe your life is the next great memoir. If you liked Frank's interview, try our show with Colum McCann, another great Irish writer, who uses his reporting in fiction. Best of luck.

[@sigrunlaate3935]

I'm reading Angela's ashes the third time now. Humans minds are shortcoming and I'm enjoying that fact. McCort is telling us of a horrendous upbringing in Ireland not so long ago. His humor, sharp observation and retropescivw analysis, that allows us to understand, is the reason that his novels hits the reader, and it's the reason we crave for more. Maybe he could have come across to readers before he did. We will never know. He certainly did with Angelas ashes. May he rest in peace.

[@francisalanwormald6328]

AT 84 I AM ON MY 3rd READING. FINDING AT ABOUT 60 I AM FIRST GENERATION IRISH 65%..... THE EARTHINESS GRABBED ME>...THE MOVIE WAS NOT SO FINE. I GREATLY ADMIRE FRANK.... RIP

[@Mauipete]

What a gem of a man and a story.

[@celticeyesmorriganrising929]

I have to say, worse yet, is the Irish Catholic, American childhood, when, every scarse bite you got to eat, came with the lecture of how you were lucky to get a bite to eat at all, because you're lucky not to be back home with nothing at all....THANK YOU FRANKIE MCCOURT, for showing me how lucky I am to have the history of Ireland in my blood.

[@lisabullock7461]

I loved the book and "Tis" the Movie, I didn't read the third one teacher man. I enjoy listening to all his interviews, and talks. Quite a man.

[@jafarsidik943]

my tears on frank mc court story

[@hocopolitso]

Thank you -- poverty and humanity are global. We appreciate your comment and watching.

[@hocopolitso]

Thank you for watching. He was a wonderful speaker, and we were so lucky to have him with us. If you enjoyed this piece, may I suggest our show featuring Hugo Hamilton? He grew up poor in Ireland, but was mostly consumed with the linguistic wars (father only spoke Gaelic, mother spoke German) in his household. All the best, HoCoPoLitSo Susan Thornton Hobby

[@MAY12360]

Very sad film 😰but very true.

[@wilsonsamuel]

I found out about him about 2006/7 upon accidentally tumbling upon the movie Angela's Ashes, in fact it was Liam Neeson's narration (in the beginning and in the trailor) or that had attracted me to the movie. After watching the movie, I just couldn't resist finding out about the author and the writer of the book, and soon I got addicted to his work I love his Audio books which he has recorded in his own voice! However I was unfortunate enough to not been able to meet him in person :(

[@kelman727]

wilsonsamuel It's not Liam Neeson.

[@17crystaleyes52]

LOVE YOU FRANKIE MC COURT!!!

[@WalterWWelle]

Exactly. Why all the hate is beyond me. These books really struck a chord with me....

[@OBCDisBAD]

It is not a piece of fiction. What Frank McCourt wrote was a Memoir, which is nonfiction. It is an account of his life. It is no more non-fiction than Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is non-fiction. Just a simple clarification. Just know that everything you have read in that book, represents a real account of poverty and a childhood live in limerick Ireland.

[@kelman727]

Nathan Klein It's made up, the ego doctoring everything to suit itself.

[@hocopolitso]

We can debate the fiction/nonfiction idea until the cows come home. Frank was an amazing storyteller when he appeared for our audiences, and was as funny and loquacious as you would imagine the author of Angela's Ashes to be. If you liked this show, try watching our edition with Paula Meehan, an Irish poet from the poorest of the poor in Dublin, who talks about poverty in Ireland. Best, HoCoPoLitSo.

[@mrsminnatk3992]

I just read this saga second time. I have a crush on him. RIP

[@dra.luzmarialopez5075]

Ame la película!!

[@normanleach5427]

The "lovely" Patricia Madigan is an eternity within a lingering gaze; but a single grain of sand revealing the wonders of a starlit beach.

[@BertGraef]

Nobody read this book , and saw the obvious? That it was RC priestcraft that oppressed the poor of Ireland, not only the English,

[@tanyalowe7150]

I agree thank you for you're accurate responce.

[@jasWerner-qt5wj]

I dont know whether to shit or go blind😅😂.. Loved that line...incredible book and saw movie as it came it

[@lisabullock7461]

RIP Mr. McCourt xoxo

[@karenbrooks3239]

Funniest book I have ever read

[@Crissy_tina]

Gr8 movie!

[@mhifnfe217]

LOL. "no we went out with sheep!"

[@cm24624]

Is this Frank McCourt's final interview on television?

[@hocopolitso]

As far as we know, it's his last long interview. I think he gave a few comments here and there, but this one is his most in-depth before he died, just a few months afterwards. It's a wonderful talk, isn't it? Thanks for your comment, and if you are interested in Irish literature, we have an Irish Evening of Music and Poetry (and literature) every March in the Baltimore-Washington area. Visit our web site, above, for information.

[@hocopolitso]

Here's a New York Times article that talks about the origins of Angela's Ashes: www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/books/20mccourt.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 And I think any memoir writer could be asked that question!

[@lamamapanda9868]

Cool method

[@theresahayes4294]

Martha Long ..MA HE SOLD ME FOR A FEW CIGARETTES ...well there's a few Books but her way of Telling it brought you into the Life in Dublin living in Tenement Housing in 1950s. Gauranyou wont Put Book Down..

[@squamish4244]

McCourt was accused of exaggeration by other people who grew up on the lanes with him, and outright fabrication of several of the most shocking scenes, one of which he even acknowledged. One resident who grew up near McCourt said that the real problem in the family was his father's alcoholism, and his experience was not representative of the area in general.

[@theresahayes4294]

He died Young..78yrs

[@MrNU998]

Well then tell me of your terrific childhood in 1930s Limerick.

[@Mozart1220]

And you know this how?

[@DENAANN1000]

The movie was great but I hated his worthless father.

[@brianwalsh1401]

that's alcoholism or any addiction for that matter. It's all about getting what you're addicted to at all costs.

[@haroldjameson7348]

An incredible piece of fiction.

[@phhiggins]

Lies.

[@johnjessop6169]

Poor Ireland? Angela's Ashes was 100% fiction.

[@millieschattime9924]

Ryan Muldoon you are absolutely correct!!

[@mackymac3479]

What a tediously boring book...rain, rain, poverty, hardship, and, MORE rain.

[@davidcawrowl3865]

But that rain made sprouts spring up in the woolen coats to be observed by boys in church services.

[@Abcd-hr9ot]

But its true.

[@normanleach5427]

The two faces of drama may deepen and enrich the other until relinquished but for a moment...and this moment and this and now as a great peace is allowed into the crevasses of the world.