'Tis

By: Frank McCourt

Narrated by: Frank McCourt

Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

The same vulnerable but invincible spirit that captured our hearts in the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir Angela's Ashes comes of age in 'Tis.

Listen as Frank tells in his own inimitable voice his story of how at the age of 19 he traveled from Limerick to New York in pursuit of the American dream. Despite the abundance of unsolicited advice he gets to "join the cops" and "stick to his own kind", Frank knows that he should educate himself and somehow rise above his circumstances.

And though he left school at 14, he talks his way into New York University, falls in love with the quintessential Yankee, long-legged and blond, and tries to live his dream. But it is not until he starts to teach - and to write - that Frank finds his place in the world. And for those of us who are lucky enough to come across his writings - and captivating readings - 'Tis a wonderful thing that he did.

©1999 Frank McCourt, All Rights Reserved (P)1999 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

‘Tis is...real, raw, wonderful!

I so wish I could have met Frank McCourt, especially as a boy and young man. He is an inspiration to us all, and has made me greatly appreciative of having grown up WITH electricity, running water, nutritious food, and two parents who loved me, as well as a school that didn’t scare me nearly to death.
In ‘Tis, Frank continues his story as he arrives back in America at the age of 19. He relays his struggles and shear determination to grab his part of the American Dream, and eventually became a teacher. His story is real, at times raw and heart wrenching, and generally awe inspiring. I wish he would have had a better first marriage, but at least he had a daughter that he loved, and he didn’t abandon her the way his father had left him and his family.
I love the Irish accent, and his struggles to become a teacher. I looking forward to his 3rd book “Teach”, since I have worked in my school district for 26 years, and the last 5 have been in highs school. Even though I work with special needs students, the atmosphere and culture in high school is completely different than elementary school, and I applaud Frank for his gumption and desire to be a better teacher than his instructors in Ireland.
I highly recommend these stories to anyone who has struggled in their life - you are not alone; to anyone who loves an Irish accent; to all educators; and to all administrators and policy makers who don’t really have a clue what it is to work with students every day, and actually try to make a difference.

Outstanding.

This book was simply outstanding. At times I laughed, then I cried. I don't know if I cried for the characters or for me. It doesn't matter which because this book really touched me and the struggles we all lead in this life. The narration only enhanced the experience.

I love Frank and all the McCourt brothers

Any additional comments?

Very good to find out what happens to Frank after finishing Angela's Ashes. He is truly a lovable character, an excellent writer and a fantastic performer/reader of his own books. I love his Irish accent. His books are laugh out loud funny and touching. I truly liked 'Tis, but I loved Angela's Ashes. It is easy to tell from reading Frank McCourt that he had a love/ hate relationship with his parents and I can truly understand why. They failed him miserably, but they had their good points too. I wish I could have sat with Frank at his brother's bar and listened to their stories and songs. The four McCourt brothers are so lovable, funny and lively. It is hard to believe they had such a hard childhood and turn out so vibrant and uplifting. I particularly recommend 'Tis to teachers. Frank McCourt's account of his teaching adventures are so funny and so real. He points out the absurdity of so many of the approaches schools have taken to "teaching" which ends up more "managing" of kids. I wish all teachers had McCourt's talents and outlook toward teaching.

Just love his voice and his character

I enjoyed this but not nearly as much as Angela's Ashes. It's so interesting to learn how his life progresses. Everyone has a story. Some parts just aren't as interesting as others.

Love his work He’s the best

Fabulous!! Love Frank McCourts writing and reading!! All his books are a great read!! The best

The Great Story Continues

What did you love best about 'Tis?

It was interesting to see how Frank transitioned from young adult into adulthood. McCourt is a great reader and fun to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

Each chapter is almost like a short story.There were many different tales and settings.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the scenes from his classrooms. I'm anxious to read "Teacher Man."

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The change in attitude about Angela throughout the story in relation to "Angela's Ashes" stirs up emotion.

Any additional comments?

In reading other comments about disappointment in this story over "Angela's Ashes," I would have to disagree. "'Tis" is not "Angela's Ashes," but there is no way it could be. Frank is grown up in "'Tis." The wonder and innocence of childhood is no longer present, so that is something that cannot be found in this book. Certainly, Frank's humor and naivety are present in this book, but they are no longer childlike. They have, however, grown with his personality and have shaped him into an adult. I still laughed and cried. This book is worth the read.

Raw and honest

Frank McCourt did a great job reading his story to us. He made us feel like we were there.

I’ll Take Another

I don’t know how else to describe the experience of listening to the late Frank McCourt narrate these books. He absolutely brings it to life, and it’s like…your ears enjoying a fantastic home cooked meal full of comfort foods and dishes you have never tried but now can’t get enough of. He put Ireland and America in my mouth and ears and hands, and I gobbled it right up. I wasn’t sure if he could follow up Angela’s Ashes as strong in this sequel, but he absolutely did. His literary voice is so unique, like he showed up late to the writing game and arrived with his own flavor.

The best, ‘Tis.

Everyone should read this.

Fantastic story about fulfilling the American dream via a very bumpy road. McCourt is not bashful about his personal flaws, thoughts, and blunders. A truly inspiring individual.

cussing

I love this book but the GD words as way to much Would have been a perfect book except for the GD words