I love Frank McCourt, and I love that he reads his own work--it comes alive in a different way. I felt like Frank was just sitting me down and chatting the whole length of the book. I wish there were more teachable moments discussed. It felt like it was more about his struggle to become a teacher, a couple hilarious stories about his first year, and then his opinions about education today. What happened in those other 30 years of teaching, Frank?

I've stood in the same teacher shoes McCourt describes. But, oh, how HE can describe it! His accent and phrasing is a joy to hear; anyone who simply reads the book for himself will miss that dimension of this excellent work. I only wish that his analysis of administrators was too cruel, or exaggerated. It isn't. He's fair and accurate in how he describes the ladder-climbers of large, and even small, public school systems. McCourt, I'm so pleased to hear you, at long last, reach deep into the souls of those students and yourself, to reach an enjoyment of what you were working at, and to have students return to find you. And I hope that your cot is no longer celibate!

This past summer I heard the author speak at a teachers' convention...I had to get the book. It is his narration that I enjoyed so much. After spending the majority of my adult life in the English classroom, his students, situations, administration, and frustrations came to life in a memorable and humorous way...(and believe me, it isn't often humorous at the time)...thanks to the author for the laughs and the tears...

I still love Frank McCourt's reading, but he seems to have found a forum for complaining in this book...I don't feel any sense of direction, we move back and forward in time, but through it all he has a lot to gripe about. In Angela's Ashes especially there was no hint of this. I do appreciate that he sheds light on how demanding a profession teaching is. Having trouble getting through the book because often I don't want to listen to his negativity.

If this book specifically suited what my friend was looking for, I would. It is still well written. It's a repetition of his last books, though. There's not a lot of new brought to the table. I liked the anecdotes about his students, but he talked way too much about his thoughts--and in a manner that was kind of stale. He has interesting teaching ideas, though.

I am listening to Gone, Girl by Gillian someone or other. Teacher Man did inspire me to read Freedom Writers. I'm just waiting for a library transfer.

Yes I would! He has such a great and lively voice. Not distracting. Not dull.

I would want to know if he ever married again, and to whom or why not; why was his mother so mean when she came to America, tell me more about his relationship with his daughter and younger brothers, how did he decide to write and how was his process for his first two books. Not all that should have been in depth in THIS particular book--actually--I think the only one relevant for this book would be the inquiries on his writing.

It's decent. Not my favorite of his books. It's got some very very slow parts. I almost couldn't wait for the book to end, but the ending of the book is interesting and well written.

Yes. I've read his other two books and LOVED them. This one just didn't appeal to me at all.

Love his narration - the accent is great.

I think this would appeal more to teachers.

Most definitely!! Any of his books

If memory serves Tis was my favorite. His voice and diction fascinate me.

Absolutely. It's the third and final offering and takes us on a wild ride through the classroom drama in NYC. His tales are warm, real and his commitment to following his dream is unwavering. It feels almost like I've made a friend... and miss him and his funny songs dearly. He left us with a rich version of a poor man's wanderings.

His ongoing love and belief in his students.

All.

His tales of his students, their personal struggles and his commitment to be there for them.

Absolutely! McCourt's Irish brogue and story-telling technique make this book, a collection of stories, perfect!

McCourt's struggles to become a certified teacher for the New York public schools! His eating one of the student's sandwiches in class was hilarious. There are so many funny anecdotes in this book......

I you are or ever have been a teacher or worked with teenagers, don't miss this book!

The narrarator really made the book interesting.

The stories of Frank's classroom experiences.

His true thoughts and feelings come through his voice.

It made me laugh.