farfromrainydays.com

Meet Frank McCourt

Posted by Katrin on October 7th, 2006 — Posted in Literature

Back in the days when I was working for a wonderful bookstore in Cologne, Germany I learned a lot about literature (which was the main aim of the store, besides Theater, Film and social sciences) and the business surrounding it. Authors came and read from their books, authors well known and unknown, from various countries and all kinds of backgrounds. Publishers came to talk about the coming up season and decisions needed to be made which books to stock.

I was in the middle of it all, slowly learning to appreciate what literature can do for you. It makes you laugh, it might make you cry but it hopefully touches you in some way so that you will pick up the next book with curiosity and joy.

Since then I do like to go to reading events every once in a while, mainly if I know the person already or even have read something from him or her which I liked. Therefore I was delighted to find out that Frank McCourt was coming to London to read from his book “Teacher Man” which has just been published as a paperback.

He has written two other books before: Angela’s Ashes, which has also been made into a movie, and ‘Tis.

I have read them both and liked them a lot. Angela’s Ashes a bit more, so if you want to get to know him choose that one.

It was a great evening and I was delighted to find out that he is not just a fun-to-read author, but also somewhat of an entertainer.

He talked mostly, reading just some small passages out of his new book. This was a very pleasant way to learn more about the content: his career as a teacher in New York High Schools. After he wrote about having a tough childhood in Limerick, Ireland (Angela’s Ashes) and immigrating to New York to find work there in various places including the docks and later starting college (’Tis), Teacher Man focuses on his teacher career and goes on where ‘Tis has left the reader wondering what will happen next.

It is funny and heartwarming and tough at the same time. He writes very straightforward, just as life has not always been an easy ride for him. I am looking forward to start this third volume of the story of his life soon.

The event took place at Brunei Theater at the London University and was organized by Waterstones. They do quite a lot of events so have a look at their website. You can also choose the store location you are interested in (they all have different events).

Waterstone’s
82 Gower Street
London WC1E 6EQ
020 7636 1577
Look it up on the map

Frank McCourt
“Teacher Man”
Harper Perennial
£ 7,99

Share This