Narrowing down my favourite book of all time is extremely difficult. I may not have been the most well-read person around but I have read quite a number of books on my free or idle time. As part of the Bloggers Book Club Contest, my choice for my favourite book [this may eventually change over time] is "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt.
It's his autobiography, and chronicles most of his early childhood -- from his slum days in Limerick, Ireland, to his family's eventual move for a better life to New York City, USA.
I first read this way back in 2001 and I keep reading and reading it again.
Why do I love it so much? It's written in such a way that would move you. He writes in such a way that would make you laugh out loud at some of his memoirs, which could be pretty embarassing specially if you're reading the book at a public place. It also has the capacity to move you to tears, and there are quite a lot of them in the book.
Overall, this is a good start if you plan to read an autobiography. Frank McCourt may not be a well-known celebrity but his life is definitely interesting and well worth the read.
Additional info -- this book was actually adapted into a movie! I was searching the internet and it also popped out in IMDB. Awesome. I'll try to watch the movie and see if it does any justice to the book.
I think you've made an excellent choice. "Angela's Ashes" is my favorite, also. I think Frank is more well-known than you think...
I was fortunate enough to be a student in his memoir writing workshop in 2007 at the Southampton Writers Conference. I learned a lot from Frank and was so grateful for the opportunity to be in his workshop. All of his books are gems. I've seen the movie several times; it's depressing, of course, but it has some of the lighter moments that appear in the book, too.
I enjoy Frank's audiobooks because he is the narrator. I wish they could have let him do the narrating for the movie as well.
Enjoy it each time you re-read it!
Many thanks for visiting my blog Kathleen :)
In my country, Frank isn't as well known. If it wasn't for an old high school classmate, I wouldn't have found out about his book!
I read 'Tis but it does not have the same appeal as Angela's Ashes had. I've yet to read Teacher Man though.
How was he as a teacher? I think he's a very funny & interesting teacher. He'll be an excellent mentor as well! :)
Hi Ruby,
You're blog is lovely -- keep up the good work!
Frank is a riot - he kept our class laughing. He's part-comedian, really! He had many nuggets of wisdom to share.
I'm glad your high school friend told you about "Angela's Ashes." I think you will enjoy "Teacher's Man," too.
I'm not familiar with the Bloggers Book Club Contest; could you tell me more about that?
Best wishes on your upcoming trip...I read your next post.
Kathy
www.womenofmystery.net
Hi Kathy!
The bloggers book club contest is hosted by a local bookstore here in the Philippines called Fully Booked. They would give off 10 books per month to 10 bloggers who would review their favourite book/author. [Draw dates are June 30th, July 31st, August 31st].
Since I can't really resist getting a free book, I decided to enter and well, Angela's Ashes was the top contender for my favourite book. I've loved it for more than 10 years now and no other book has technically made me laugh out loud as much as this one.
Many thanks! I'll surely enjoy my trip! I'll try to scour some bookstores while in Hong Kong, I've yet to buy some hard to find books there -- most of the British autobiographies I want are not available in Manila! :(
Hi Ruby,
That sounds like fun...I hope you get lots of books! So, all you have to do is review a book, and you're name goes into a drawing, is that how it works?
I look forward to reading your blogs about Hong Kong when you return.
Best,
Kathy
www.womenofmystery.net
Hi Kathleen
Not sure how they judged the blog posts but I got a mail yesterday saying I won! :)
I'm gonna pick up the book either on Monday or Tuesday and I'll blog about what I got :D