Teacher Man

"Quit bothering me, man". I don't know how ANYONE can tolerate teaching teens. God bless'm! I have some of my own. It is my opinion that teachers should be held in the highest esteem, paid exobintantly and worshipped by all. Teachers have the most important jobs in any society (no, I'm not a teacher). "Teacher Man" was absolutely fantastic and enjoyable. Read well... My only wish was that it was longer.

It was great listening to Frank McCourt recount his memories of teaching in New York City. He is honest, insightful, and humorous. He tells his story in a blunt and humorous way. He doesn't try to make himself sound like a goody-goody teacher who was out to save the world; yet he probably made a huge impact on many students. I will look at my students with "wider eyes and a better listening heart" from now on. He is definitely a "late bloomer" as he, himself admitted in his book. I loved his previous book, Angela's Ashes; tolerated his book Tis, but I LOVED this new book of his!!!

I loved this book and wished it were longer. I could have listened to Frank McCourt's stories of teaching for hours and hours (and I heard the unabridged version). His teaching career ran the gamut of high school experiences -- from vocational high school to elite college prep, with a little community college thrown in. And somewhere in these teaching experiences, he "found himself."

Mr. McCourt is an exceptional reader -- better than most authors who read their own books. His accent is charming, and easy to understand. His voice added greatly to the memoir.

This was the most wonderful memoir. McCourt has spoken for many educators who just want to be left alone to teach in classrooms of America. We want the politicians to just "Leave people alone" We are all doing the best that we can, considering the talent we have been sent. We help some to grow academically, but mostly we want to help them to grow into productive members of society. The politicians want us to send out a group of lemmings. Education is about teaching to differences and teaching diferently. McCourt celebrates just that as he reads to us about the love of his life... Helping children, and young adults to see the wonder within themsleves.

Those of you who are part of this circle, this is a must. If you teach, then you can relate and empathise with Teacher Man as he recalls and recounts his exploits as a HS English teacher in NYC.
Rather a slow read, with great highlight and some parts that drag on, perhaps it might be better with the abridged version.
Read by the author, always a plus!
Gold - for those who teach and can relate
Silver - for those who are looking for an interesting read, but slow.
Bronz - for those who want action adventure and wild themes.

This book was wonderful, a joy to hear. I liked the first two books a bit better though, this one was on self indulgent side. His stories of teaching high school kids are fun. A good listen.

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.

Reading this book confirmed to me that I went into the right profession. McCourt's stories about teaching for 30 years in NYC public schools was very inspirational to read and at times I just laughed out loud becuase I knew exactly what he was talking about. It really is a great read espeically if you are a teacher.

teachar or not -- you will love this book whether you are a teacher or not.

As a school teacher, I found this book excellent. Even if I wasn't in the school business his style and self deprecating sense of humor makes an excellent book.