According to The Hollywood Reporter, Crossroads Films has optioned the memoir "All Souls: A Family Story From Southie," Michael McDonald's account of growing up in the Irish projects of South Boston in the 1970s.

The project is being developed in association with Ron Shelton, who also will direct.

"I have been approached a number of times about optioning the rights to 'All Souls,' but it wasn't until I met with Crossroads Films and with Ron that I felt like the perfect team was in place,"

McDonald said.

"It is gratifying to be working with people who share the same vision and who have pursued the project with such a deep sense of purpose."