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Reading Group Discussion PointsCountless memoirs have been published recently, yetAngela's Ashesstands out. What makes this memoir so unique and compelling?Discuss the originality and immediacy of Frank McCourt's voice and the style he employs -- i.e., his sparing use of commas, the absence of quotation marks. How, through a child's voice and perspective, does McCourt establish and maintain credibility?Ever present inAngela's Ashesis the Catholic Church. In what ways does the Catholic Church of McCourt's Ireland hurt its members and limit their experience? How does the Church protect and nurture its followers? What is Frank's attitude toward the Church?McCourt writes: "I think my father is like the Holy Trinity with three people in him, the one in the morning with the paper, the one at night with the stories and prayers, and then the one who does the bad thing and comes home with the smell of whiskey and wants us to die for Ireland." Was this your impression of Frank McCourt's father? How can Frank write about his father without bitterness? What part did Malachy play in creating the person that Frank eventually became?Women -- in particular mothers -- play a significant role inAngela's Ashes.Recall the scenes between Angela and her children; the MacNamara sisters (Delia and Philomena) and Malachy; Aunt Aggie and young Frank; Angela and her own mother. In what ways do these interactions reflect the roles of women within their families? Discuss the ways in which Angela struggles to keep her family together in the most desperate of circumstances.McCourt titles his memoirAngela's Ashes,after his mother. What significance does the phrase "Angela's Ashes" acquire by the end of the book?Despite the McCourts' horrid poverty, mind-numbing starvation, and devastating losses,Angela's Ashesis not a tragic memoir. In fact, it is uplifting, triumphant even. How does McCourt accomplish this?Irish songs and lyrics are prominently featured inAngela's Ashes.How do these lyrics contri