Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Frank McCourt Gravely Ill, Brother Says
By HILLEL ITAL
NEW YORK (July 16) - Frank McCourt is gravely ill with meningitis and is unlikely to survive, the author's brother said Thursday.
Malachy McCourt said that his 78-year-old brother, best known for the million-selling "Angela's Ashes," is in a New York hospice, "his faculties shutting down."
"He is not expected to live," said McCourt, himself an author and performer.
Frank McCourt was recently treated for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, but his brother says he had been doing well until about two weeks ago, when he contracted meningitis.
"He was out and about, being active, doing talks and so forth," Malachy McCourt said.

I hadn't heard about this. I haven't read his works but I've read a lot from people who have read his books and I know he's a respected author. I'm sorry to read of his illness. Thanks for telling us.
NJ

That is so sad. I never read anything of his after Angela's Ashes but that alone made a huge impression on me. Especially since he read the audio version I listened to.

It is sad to hear of his death at age seventy-eight. I haven't read Frank McCourt's books, but I think I should. He was still teaching a workshop these last ten years.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/st...

Ann said: "I haven't read Frank McCourt's books, but I think I should. "

Ann, you should definitely read Angela's Ashes. The others weren't as good. They weren't bad but it was difficult to measure up to his first.

It's very sad to hear of his death.

Jan O'Cat

Carol:
I took Ms. O'Cat's and your advice, along with your post about the audio book as a sign that I should use my tenth hold slot at the library to request the audio of Angela's Ashes. The library version is the one narrated by Frank McCourt. I usually find it adds to the ejoyment of an audio book when it is read by the author. Thanks!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "That is so sad. I never read anything of his after Angela's Ashes but that alone made a huge impression on me. Especially since he read the audio version I listened to."

When my class read Angela'a Ashes, I played the CD so they coould read along with the author. They thought he spoke too slowly, but I loved hearing his nice, soft voice. That book had a huge impact on me, rather like To Kill a Mockingbird. Once read, you won't forget it.

Ann wrote: "Carol:
I took Ms. O'Cat's and your advice, along with your post about the audio book as a sign that I should use my tenth hold slot at the library to request the audio of Angela's Ashes. The libra..."

Ann, I promise you, you will delight in Frank McCourt's reading of Angela's Ashes. His reading is completely charming with his strong Irish brogue, and you will laugh your head off at some of the antics of the kids, and tear up at some of the sad moments in his childhood.

Carol:
You are right! I have enjoyed the first CD of the audio of Angela's Ashes - I am alternating with The Bonesetter's Daughter when it isn't convenient to listen on my PDA in the car. (short jaunts)

Carol/Bonadie wrote: " I promise you, you will delight in Frank McCourt's reading of Angela's Ashes. His reading is completely charming with his strong Irish brogue, and you will laugh your head off at some of the antics of the kids, and tear up at some of the sad moments in his childhood. "

Sandy:
I finished the second CD of Angela's Ashes on audio this afternoon and you and everyone who mentioned the author's narration adding so much to the story are right. This is a treat to listen to. What (horrible) conditions. I only find myself wondering how much of this early years story could a 3-4 year old boy remember, then again, these events are rather memorable.

Sandy wrote: "When my class read Angela'a Ashes, I played the CD so they coould read along with the author. They thought he spoke too slowly, but I loved hearing his nice, soft voice. That book had a huge impact..."