Angela's Ashes

You know how there are books on your reading list that you really should read, but you're just not motivated to make it happen? Angela's Ashes was one of those books for me. I even had two copies of it on my shelves... one autographed by the author at a writing fair last year in Seattle.
I read last week that Frank Mc Court died on July 19, and it seemed to me like a good time to finally read this book.

Frank Mc Court was an Irish American. He was born in Brooklyn to Irish parents, returned to Limerick a few years later with his family to escape the Great Depression, and than sank further and further into poverty. The book details his family's struggles: children dying, an alcoholic father who couldn't get his act together to support the family, Frank growing up and supporting his family, etc.

I hadn't read the book because it sounds like such a downer. But I have to say: Mc Court has such a razor wit about him that you find yourself chuckling over the way he describes his misfortunes. It's certainly one of those "if you didn't laugh, you'd cry" situations.

The book was brilliantly written, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone (especially those of us feeling sorry for ourselves because of minor inconveniences. Like this infernal 103 degree heat... still no air conditioning).

Also notable: Mc Court's book called Teacher Man about his experiences teaching English in city schools. It's fantastic. Especially if you can hear the audio version. His Irish inflection and brogue take it to the next level.

5 Stars to Teacher Man and Angela's Ashes