Bio
Vicki Smith is a new writer. She spent the last 30 years in social service and obtained a unique understanding of human nature. She writes from a Christian perspective which offers her readers hope and encouragement.
Trigger Warning
Dear Mr. Frank McCourt,
(deceased)
I understand that reviews are highly valued, if they are good ones, so I will attempt to write a review of Angela’s Ashes and Tis, your memoirs. First of all, I enjoyed both of these books, especially the audiobook of Tis that you narrated. Yours is a unique heritage and one to which your Irish brogue lends so much authenticity. I truly enjoyed learning about you from your TV interviews and videos also.
I am realizing that anyone who has gone through severe trials has an interesting story to tell, and an interesting voice to tell it in. Your description of the lanes in which you lived and the hardships you endured, while still enjoying the innocence of childhood, are so moving. Laughter with your brothers counteracts so much that was painful in those years.
I can almost feel your mother’s discomfort as she walks the streets where everyone knows her and she has to bear up under their discriminating gaze. Yes, everyone was of low income but hers and your distress was at yet another level. No income and begging is a level of poverty that people don’t understand unless they have lived it. You compare it to living on the streets of Calcutta, except that they were warm, I agree. This is something I would know nothing about unless someone like you had written it for me.
Overcoming great trials has great value in terms of character. Who you are is in large measure determined by what you have overcome. Therefore, I see that you have become a great teacher because of what you have endured. It is in your second memoir, Tis that you portray the account of your trials and experiences in New York. Coming into “the land of opportunity” with no education or resources, your struggle was really just for survival in those first years. The pimply faced, awkward young man that you were upon arrival in the big city, was a moving portrayal. Then you say, and I quote, “I thank the Chinese government for saving me through their invasion of Korea.” You were drafted into the army for two years, after that you obtained the GI bill and began your education. Through a series of miraculous circumstances you studied at NYU and obtained your degree and teacher certificate. You taught in New York City high schools for the next 27 years and you learned a thing or two about being a teacher. You became an advocate for educators and teachers.
Well, you came a long way and brought all your family members with you eventually. They became successful too and your mother spent her remaining years with her family in the United States. You remained humble and grateful; you were in no way overly proud of yourself, even after winning the Pulitzer Prize; you were the most surprised of all. Congratulations, Frank, for a job well done! You’ve run the race and arrived at the finish line. Your lifestyle and your heritage will live on long after you’ve gone and many will attempt to emulate you and live up to the values you upheld. Because of you and people like you there is hope for the world.
In gratitude,
Vicki Smith