Bookreporter.com mourns the loss of author, teacher and speaker Frank McCourt, who passed away on July 19th at the age of 78. For 30 years, McCourt taught in New York City high schools, first at McKee High School in Staten Island and for nearly two decades at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, where he would find his writing voice. His first book, the critically acclaimed and international bestselling memoir ANGELA’S ASHES (1996), won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Award. McCourt is also the author of ’TIS (1999), TEACHER MAN (2005) and the children’s book ANGELA AND THE BABY JESUS (2007), all of which were New York Times bestsellers. More than 10 million copies of his books have been sold in North America alone.
On a personal note, Bookreporter.com’s president and co-founder Carol Fitzgerald spent time at more than one industry party with McCourt. She will miss the twinkle in his eye, as well as his quips and jokes. And on a humorous note, she fondly remembers seeing him play the harmonica with The Rockbottom Remainders, an all-author rock band whose members include Mitch Albom, Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Amy Tan and Scott Turow. McCourt’s writing ability, honesty and humor --- not to mention his musical talents --- will be missed.
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