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Packed with humour, observation and anecdote, this deeply personal book is a distillation of Cameron Wyllie's four-decade career, which culminated in his appointment as Principal of George Heriot's, one of Edinburgh's most prestigious schools. it's a rich tapestry of anecdotes and reflections on everything from drugs and parenting to sex education and school trips. While the intention is to make the reader laugh plenty, Cameron also deals with issues involving discipline, refugees, tragic events, his own status as a gay man and tell us the story of Tes, an Eritrean boy who inspired hundreds of young people with his love of learning. The result is a remarkably honest and insightful memoir, featuring a cast of memorable character, which amuses and moves in equal measure.

Cameron Wyllie comes across as a teacher who genuinely loves young people. He writes in a witty style that often made me laugh out loud and more than once brought a tear to my eye. Especially young Jamie Steele singing at Celtic Connections (link below). He writes with surprising honesty, especially about his private life. He muses on the fact he never had children but as he says at the end, he had thousands and this is full of their life-affirming moments

Jamie Steele
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xudsYedOFFE

Sending out in the Convention bookray

Poodlesister (UK, UK/Europe)
Rahar109 (UK, UK/Europe)
yorkshire-lass (UK, UK-int if nec)
greenbadger (UK, anywhere)
Fifna (EU, send to EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland) - on it's way
Shepparm (UK, anywhere)
Eponine38 (USA, prefers US but can do anywhere)

This is with me. I’ve got another Convention Bookray book to read and a Favourites Roundabout but I’ll try and get to this ASAP.

What a lovely man. This was funny, moving, thought-provoking and a pleasure to read. I liked the references to Carbisdale Castle where a friend of mine once lived and worked when it was a Scottish YHA. She made sure when I visited I was booked into the lovely modern warm B&B overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland where the coach drivers all used to stay.

Planning to post this tomorrow.

Book is now with me.
I'm still reading another Convention book; will get to this as soon as possible.

A pleasant, amusing book, where almost every child is lovely, clever etc. I would have liked to hear something about the not-so-wonderful ones (there must have been a few) for a little balance.
I think he'll be an interesting speaker.

Safely with me, I will read it next and get it on its way as soon as I can :-)

I really enjoyed reading this, a very amusing book. Some LOL moments and others that left me feeling somewhat sad!
I'm looking forward to hearing him speak at the convention.

Hope to be able to post to greenbadger within the next few days :-)

It's arrived, thank you!

This is an autobiography of Cameron Wyllie's life as a teacher, in two prestigious Edinburgh schools. Full of entertaining anecdotes, it's a pleasure to read, and Wyllie's love of teaching and delight in his pupils shines through. I bet he was an amazing and inspirational teacher.

Posted to Fifna who is next in the ray.

Arrived today, thanks greenbadger. And thank you for the labels!

Very entertaining! He is/was obviously a teacher who loves his job, and is good at it. He will have been an inspiration to so many kids - if you're lucky enough to have had a teacher like him, you'll remember them for the rest of your life.
Looking forward to hearing him speak - thanks for sharing the book!