Teacher Man

By: Frank McCourt

Narrated by: Frank McCourt

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Nearly a decade ago Frank McCourt became an unlikely star when, at the age of 66, he burst onto the literary scene with Angela's Ashes, the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir of his childhood in Limerick, Ireland. Then came 'Tis, his glorious account of his early years in New York.

Now here at last, is McCourt's long-awaited audiobook about how his thirty-year teaching career shaped his second act as a writer. Teacher Man is also an urgent tribute to teachers everywhere. In bold and spirited prose featuring his irreverent wit and heartbreaking honesty, McCourt records the trials, triumphs, and surprises he faces in public high schools around New York City.

©2005 Green Peril Corp. (P)2005 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

• Winner of Audio Publishers Association 2007 Audie Award, Biography/Memoir

"Should be mandatory reading for every teacher in America. And it wouldn't hurt some politicians to read it, too." (Publishers Weekly)
"Teacher Man is an irresistible valedictory, about a man finding his voice in the classroom, on the page and in his soul." (The New York Times)

The work to be a good teacher

Frank McCourt tells his story of becoming an excellent teacher. He has his own flaws, even demons, to understand, not to be a copy of his father. His narration is ideal to me; he can sing his songs and tell his story with different voices. I read this first when I was younger. Now I grasp his path of understanding himself as hard work that he accomplished at some cost and with great reward.

Teacher Man

It got a little slow near the end. Too much talking about the kids in class.

His voice is magical.

It was not as good a story as Angela’s ashes or Tis. It was a little boring

More interesting stories from Mr. McCourt

This book contains more interesting stories about an interesting life. As you read (listen to) this book it is fun to keep in mind the Pulitzer Prize won by this most unassuming author. Angela's Ashes was one of the most amazing stories I have ever read. I also read and enjoyed ‘Tis. The author tells his own humble story as a long time high school teacher and never boasts about or even mentions his previous award winning best seller. This exemplifies the humility that makes him so great. He focuses on what he gained from his students and the experience in all his years of teaching English, not on what he gave back to the literary world. His perspective is refreshing to hear and I can’t wait for his next book.

another teacher

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...

Charming, delightful and engaging.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

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.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Teacher Man?

His ongoing love and belief in his students.

Which character – as performed by Frank McCourt – was your favorite?

All.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

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

All around

I really enjoyed this book, the many stories and learning of a teacher. Only thing I had an issue with was the jumping around.

love Frank McCourt

great story, I've enjoyed all of Mr. McCourt's books. I wish he'd been my English teacher after listening to this

Absolutely top notch.

Don’t deprive yourself of this enlightening, inspiring, entertaining experience. Don’t read this book! Listen! You can’t beat this. Best read Audible out there bar none!

And ‘try’ he did!

A delightful story of travails and triumphs, made all the more enjoyable by Mr. McCourt’s expressive tones and turns of phrase, always drawing in the reader.

Always, that gravitational pull!