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Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 17:07 GMT 18:07 UK

Reading the comments of some people here. makes me think they are talking about books they have never read.The comments of Mainly Censored should not be on here ,as they are in no way relavent to this exchange of memories and opinions about Frank McCourt.

Ed Wilkins

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 16:55 GMT 17:55 UK

I loved Angela's Ashes, but just couldn't read 'Tis. I think it was because he spent so much time at the start describing his sore eyes, which was just too graphic for me. I had to stop reading it.

But the man was a brilliant writer and I send my condolences to his family. He inspired many people and that's never a bad thing

trish, glasgow

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 16:41 GMT 17:41 UK

Undoubtedly, an inspiration to his pupils and his readers. His books made me laugh and cry in equal measure. Condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.

Helen, Cambridge

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 16:39 GMT 17:39 UK

"He will be so unhappy in Heaven as he only likes abject misery."

Go back and read his books again. It is only after one has been touched by heaven can they look back at their lives with honesty and wit and step forward into another realm.

Penny, USA

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 16:36 GMT 17:36 UK

I didn't read "Angela's Ashes" when it was promoted by Oprah and others but years later, I discovered "Tis" and I was hooked. I moved onto "Teacher Man" and then back to "Angela's Ashes". Frank McCourt amazed me with his wit and ability to look back on terribly difficult times and find humanity and dignity in man and at times laugh about our failings and weakness. He said his years of teaching shaped him into a man because the students demanded honesty. That he was.

Penny, USA

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 16:19 GMT 17:19 UK

Ar dheis De go raibh sé

Have read all of McCourt's books and he will be sadly missed. He was a great writer who wrote literature that was accessible to the ordinary man.

Dissappointed by all the commenters who insist that they don't know who he is - bet you all knew who Jade was though - and believe me that's nothing to be proud of. I can only hope that you have heard of Heaney.

Can't help but feel it's nothing more than some old fashioned anti-Irishness.

Jennifer Dalton, Athy, Ireland

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 16:04 GMT 17:04 UK

In a thousand years from now, long after names like Geroge Bush, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher have had names erased from history, people will still sit down with a good book by a good author like Frank McCourt. Their small contribution to life is worth so much more than all those others put together

Sam, France

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 15:50 GMT 16:50 UK

Have only recently discovered Frank's first book and was so enthralled, I then went on and read his last two. I really enjoyed his style of storytelling and was hoping to read more and more by Frank. Such a shame that his incredible life has come to an end, yet such an inspiring legacy left behind. I'm saddened by this news and feel am also afflicted with a bladder near the eye.

Dan N, Abercynon

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 15:44 GMT 16:44 UK

McCourt painted an unsavory, untruthful picture about my country.I found his books hilarious.Things were tough,but not as tough as McCourt made out (speaking from personal experience).

Luasaigh Ui Coinneaghain

By definition, personal experience is personal. So you're saying because yours was different from his then his is therefore untrue? My parents were born in Limerick in the 30's and said it was exactly like that - long before any book came out! Did you ever live in Limerick back then?

TD, London

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 15:21 GMT 16:21 UK

I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher. Although I was not a gifted or talented writer, I still enjoyed the class. He will be missed. Rest in peace.

Albert, NY

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 15:19 GMT 16:19 UK

His novels were filled with a unique ability to turn misery into prosaic beauty and humour.

Having just finished reading Angela's Ashes these are precisely my sentiments too.

In the end,with wit & fortitude the human spirit survives,as Mr McCourt so eloquently informs us.

This proving the age old dictum.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Eminently so in his case.

His loss diminishes us all to some degree.

Dave, england

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 15:08 GMT 16:08 UK

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of Frank Mc Court's lectures in Bradford, England some years back and thought that he was the most inspiring of al speakers that I had ever heard speak. His whit and honesty was so refeshing and I believe we have lost a great man who brought his hsitory alive and made it mastter for so many.
After that talk I could not wait for 'Teacher Man' to be released which again was awsome and inspirational for me a teacher woman.

Elvira Suess, Bradford

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 15:08 GMT 16:08 UK

The alternative title to Angela's Ashes should have been "What We Americans Want to Hear From Foreigners About Our Country"

Pablo, Port St.Lucie, Florida

It was set in Ireland, not The USA.
Try reading, Pablo.

Peter Brown, Whitley Bay, United Kingdom

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 14:59 GMT 15:59 UK

A great writer both poignant and humorous, his emotive stories
told so convincingly. To his relatives, sorry for your lose.

Fran Fuschillo, Fareham

Added: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 14:58 GMT 15:58 UK

why who/what is he = does joe public care about him = I doubt it =

B FRANK