This is the first I've heard that he died, and it's certainly sad, but unlike so many recent deaths (Jackson, Fawcett, etc.), McCourt's life story isn't about opportunities squandered, or talent corrupted, or just plain waste, but a triumph over adversity. "Fame" (or acclaim) came to McCourt fairly late, but it must have had a salutary effect after a life filled with so much hardship and tragedy. I do tend to agree with Git; "Angela's Ashes" is a work that anyone with even a smidgen of Irish ethnicity should read, but I wasn't as enamored of "Tis" and I don't even know if he wrote anything else. Still, I wish him well on that journey into eternity that we're all eventually to take. R.I.P., Frank.

I'm not a book reader, so I wasn't really affected. It's probably going unnoticed because of Walter Cronkite's death. Much how Farrah Fawcett got sidelined by Michael Jackson. It's surprising how famous people like to trump over one another even in death.

Though it was about as dark and depressing as they come, Angela's Ashes was still a very good read. Couldn't get going on 'Tis. He gave us an interesting and very honest, personal view of his world. Sorry to see him go.

A writer who had one very good book in him, (Angela's Ashes) but no more than that unfortunately. His other work is rather disappointing. I give him credit for making the most of his moment in the literary sun, but his passing is not that of a great man of letters.

I knew of McCourt by name only. I haven't read Angela's Ashes or seen the movie that was based upon his book. He won't be missed by me.