'Tis : Memoir,   ISBN:9780684865744

Customer Rating: 

I had Frank McCourt's memoir, Angela's Ashes, on my bookshelf for months before I read it. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased the next two books he wrote, Tis, and Teacher Man. I just finished Tis and was so sorry when I finished the last chapter and wanted to read it again. Part of this stems from being a historian and Irish, I am sure; reading about an Irish man in the 1940's and 50's put my own parents lives in a different perspective for me. I would greatly recommend this book!

Customer Rating: 

I wanted to love "Tis" after devouring "Angela's Ashes", but it just feels like this book was rushed off to the printers too quickly. Editors were counting on readers being piqued by McCourt's suffering and ignoring the lack of flow in the writing.

"Tis" contains some great vingettes about McCourt's life as a new immigrant in New York City in the early 1950s, but there is no cohesive vision as to how the story connects (if at all) to his early years in Ireland, or what period of his life McCourt is trying to span by writing this book. For instance, McCourt starts with an almost day-to-day existence early on when he arrives in New York, and then jumps around to his relationships, friendships, and birth of his daughter 10-12 years later, with his entry into teaching an almost negligible sidenote.

I don't know if I lost interest, or if the writing was less focused, but the last 50 pages of "Tis" were a real drag when the whole book had so much promise. The writing of "Angela's Ashes" was too good to make Frank McCourt just a flash in the pan, but I just really wish an editor had looked at this manuscript critically without seeing dollar signs.

Customer Rating: 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Tis. I appreciated Frank McCourt's candor about his own shortcomings. He does not sugarcoat any of his experiences and his life was clearly difficult when he first arrived in New York City with no high school education. However, he never feels sorry for himself; there is a lightness and a sense of humour to his descriptions of hardship, much like in Angela Ashes. My one criticism is McCourt's habit of constantly repeating things that he wrote earlier in the book. While I understand that this is a stylistic theme, I think it should have been used much more sparingly. 'Tis is nowhere as good as Angela's Ashes, but it has its merits and is definitely worth reading.

Customer Rating: 

I wasn't expecting anything. It's difficult to follow up on something as powerful as Angela's Ashes. But then again, he had the opportunity, so why not do it? Most authors will tell you how hard it is to follow up on a hit. It was still entertaining.

Customer Rating: 

I really enjoyed "Angela's Ashes," and like this book even more. You basically could combine the two into one big book, as one is just a continuation of the other. Both are written in McCourt's unique style and both are a pleasure to read. I think "Tis" gets the extra star from me because, whereas "Angela's Ashes" really kept you feeling bad for the boy throughout, "Tis" is a story of hope and promise. Much happens to Frankie McCourt once he gets to the U.S. and the life he leads here keep you both interested and wondering just how he would be able to turn his fortunes for the better.

This, as was "Angela's Ashes," is a very honest book. In no way does McCourt attempt to cover up his flaws or missteps. In no way does he try to paint himself a hero. You get the real deal here, and many times I found myself closely relating to what he was thinking at any given moment.

I highly recommend this book.