Teacher Man : A Memoir
Registered by Secretariat of Carlsbad, California USA on 2/15/2006
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
15 journalers for this copy...
I loved Angela's Ashes, thought 'Tis was forgettable, and was hoping this book was more like Angela's Ashes than 'Tis. Actually it splits the baby. When McCourt talks about his teaching experiences it was interesting and toward the end it was very entertaining as well. When he was discussing his personal life, in particular his love life, I was annoyed and disinterested. I would have liked to know more about how his relationship with his daughter went after his divorce, but otherwise didn't care to know about his personal life or romantic escapades.
I thought he had some really good ideas for engaging his students, but some of them would not have worked for me.
I'm going to pass this book on to someone else in the hopes they like it better than I did.
I thought he had some really good ideas for engaging his students, but some of them would not have worked for me.
I'm going to pass this book on to someone else in the hopes they like it better than I did.
Journal Entry 2 by Secretariat at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, May 11, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (5/11/2006 UTC) at A Bookcrosser in A BookCrosser, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to SqueakyChu as a RABCK. Enjoy!
On its way to SqueakyChu as a RABCK. Enjoy!
Got the book and the very adorable postcard today! Thank you so much, Secretariat.
I really loved McCourt's first two books so this will be the very next book I'm going to read.
I really loved McCourt's first two books so this will be the very next book I'm going to read.
There seem to be many people who have this book on their wish lists, so I'll be making it available to others as a bookray when I finish reading it.
International Bookray begins 05/15/2006:
SqueakyChu (Maryland, USA) done
sabeena29 (Massachusetts, USA) done
Ceili (New York, USA) done
mpontalba (Oklahoma, USA) done
pashmack (Florida, USA) done
raralovestoread (Florida, USA) done
Ladyjanet (Illinois, USA) done
boomda181 (Canada) done -- 1 year of travel
hawksgirl (California, USA) done
fungirl503 (Oregon, USA) done -- Stop #10
Miss-Owl (Australia) done
totoroandmei (Japan) done
Hengameh (Iran) done
JohnSteed (Switzerland--int'l) -- 2 years of travel
International Bookray ends 04/11/2010:
This bookray was ended because of no word about this book for ten months and no response to PM of last person on the list. The book travelled for 2 years to 6 countries, including 8 states within the USA. Thanks to all who participated!
Here's the article by Matt Schudel of The Washington Post about Frank McCourt's death. So sad. :(
International Bookray begins 05/15/2006:
SqueakyChu (Maryland, USA) done
sabeena29 (Massachusetts, USA) done
Ceili (New York, USA) done
mpontalba (Oklahoma, USA) done
pashmack (Florida, USA) done
raralovestoread (Florida, USA) done
Ladyjanet (Illinois, USA) done
boomda181 (Canada) done -- 1 year of travel
hawksgirl (California, USA) done
fungirl503 (Oregon, USA) done -- Stop #10
Miss-Owl (Australia) done
totoroandmei (Japan) done
Hengameh (Iran) done
JohnSteed (Switzerland--int'l) -- 2 years of travel
International Bookray ends 04/11/2010:
This bookray was ended because of no word about this book for ten months and no response to PM of last person on the list. The book travelled for 2 years to 6 countries, including 8 states within the USA. Thanks to all who participated!
Here's the article by Matt Schudel of The Washington Post about Frank McCourt's death. So sad. :(
I liked this book a lot. Thanks, Secretariat, for sharing it with me.
Since I'm already familiar with McCourt's writing, it was not as much of a treat to read as was his first novel. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it very much. I liked reading about his struggles as a high school English teacher, substitute teacher, and community college teacher in New York. To me, teaching is such a noble profession with questionable rewards. I applaud the author, not only for his career choice, but to have ended his career by writing such notable books after his retirement.
The highlights of this book for me were the times that he later discovered he was appreciated by some of his students and the unorthodox lessons he used in class (e.g. reading recipes to music).
What I didn't like that much were the parts about his wife, daughter, and liasons with various women...as those parts were so tiny and contributed almost nothing to the topic of the book...which, to me, was his teaching career.
Now, I'd like to hear about his writing career. Is that going to be his next book? We'll see...
This book is now on its way to sabeena29 in Massachusetts. Enjoy!
Since I'm already familiar with McCourt's writing, it was not as much of a treat to read as was his first novel. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it very much. I liked reading about his struggles as a high school English teacher, substitute teacher, and community college teacher in New York. To me, teaching is such a noble profession with questionable rewards. I applaud the author, not only for his career choice, but to have ended his career by writing such notable books after his retirement.
The highlights of this book for me were the times that he later discovered he was appreciated by some of his students and the unorthodox lessons he used in class (e.g. reading recipes to music).
What I didn't like that much were the parts about his wife, daughter, and liasons with various women...as those parts were so tiny and contributed almost nothing to the topic of the book...which, to me, was his teaching career.
Now, I'd like to hear about his writing career. Is that going to be his next book? We'll see...
This book is now on its way to sabeena29 in Massachusetts. Enjoy!
Journal Entry 6 by sabeena29 from not specified, not specified not specified on Saturday, June 3, 2006
received today- I have read McCourt's other books and look forward to reading about his teaching career- especially since I, too, am a teacher. Will journal again when finished. Thanks SqueakyChu for starting this ray and for the nice bookmark:)
edited 11/26/06- oops! realized I never journaled again - I have to agree that this book wasn't as good as Angela's Ashes but it was a good read- I could relate as I am in the beginning of my teaching career- I look forward to reading any of his future books.
edited 11/26/06- oops! realized I never journaled again - I have to agree that this book wasn't as good as Angela's Ashes but it was a good read- I could relate as I am in the beginning of my teaching career- I look forward to reading any of his future books.
Arrived today and started reading it immediately.
Update July 12: I forgot to journal that I mailed this out to mpontalba yesterday, July 11.
I couldn't really get into this book. I absolutely loved Angela's Ashes but this wasn't even close to that, in my opinion.
Thanks for letting me participate.
Update July 12: I forgot to journal that I mailed this out to mpontalba yesterday, July 11.
I couldn't really get into this book. I absolutely loved Angela's Ashes but this wasn't even close to that, in my opinion.
Thanks for letting me participate.
We've just returned from vacation and the book was waiting for me! I'm excited about this because I'm a big fan of "educational romances", those books about real or fictional teachers in their classrooms.
I'm normally a fan of the this genre I like to call "educational romance," but I really could not get into this one, largely because of McCourt's tone.
I'm contacting people next on the list to send it on and will be sending it out this week. Very sorry about the delay, and thanks for letting me participate!
I'm contacting people next on the list to send it on and will be sending it out this week. Very sorry about the delay, and thanks for letting me participate!
Arrived safe and sound in today's mail. I'll get started on it later this evening. Thanks, all!
Well, I loved Angela's Ashes and thought 'Tis was an okay read. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this one, based on what others have written about it. But, I rather liked it - it seemed very honest and real. I've known some teachers who would never admit to being unsure of themselves, to having flaws and/or self-doubt. I found McCourt's honesty very refreshing. Thanks for sending this out as a bookray, SqueakyChu. I'm glad I got a chance to read it. I'll be sending it off in the mail tomorrow to Niceville, FL :-)
Oops - I didn't make it to the P.O. until Wed. Nov. 29. It's definitely on its way now!
Oops - I didn't make it to the P.O. until Wed. Nov. 29. It's definitely on its way now!
This book arrived in the mail today. How timely ... I was trying to decide what to read next. Thanks for starting the bookray, SqueakyChu!
This book was somewhat enjoyable, but I didn't like it as much as I had anticipated. My favorite is still Angela's Ashes. I am glad that I read this one, though.
Today I mailed this book to Ladyjanet in Illinois. Enjoy!
Note: Actually, the book was not mailed until Wednesday, January 3, 2007.
Note: Actually, the book was not mailed until Wednesday, January 3, 2007.
Arrived in Normal, safe and sound. Perfect timing- I just finished a book so I can jump right in.
I really wanted to read this book, but no matter how hard I tried to carve out some reading time, I haven't even turned the first page. Rather than stall the book I'll send it on.
PMing lightwavz for an address.
PMing lightwavz for an address.
not stalled! I Asked lightwavz if she wanted it next and she declined, so I thought- well I'll use her month and try to get this read since I've wanted to for so long...
And just a report- I'm 1/2 way thru and will finish it ASAP.
And just a report- I'm 1/2 way thru and will finish it ASAP.
ALL FINISHED! Oh I just LOVED this book. Thanks for being patient with me. PMing Psyche for an address and sending it on its way!
Oh my goodness! I did not realise that I did not journal this book when it arrived. I am really sorry, the book arrived May 29, 2007. I just finished reading it today.I loved the truthful gems of McCourt's teaching career. As a teacher, I often found myself nodding in agreement and understanding at some of the doubts and moments of regret. I liked that McCourt showed the many sides of a teacher, that we do in fact have a life outside of school, and that deep down, even if we sometimes complain, we like what we do and we all hope to touch a student's life in some way, shape or form. Thanks for sharing, I will send it on as soon as I have an address.
Good thing the mailman recognized my non-name, or this would have gone to my old address! Can't wait to read.
I was afraid this would be as depressing as Angela's Ashes (still haven't read 'Tis), and it wasn't. I really enjoyed Teacher Man. It was an awesome kind of counter-point to AA in that we got to see how his childhood affected his adult views and his heritage and being back in America.
k00kaburra and xallroyx asked to be removed from the list, so I'm sending it off to fungirl503. Sorry for the delay, I had to wait for payday before I could mail it.
I got this book today..hope to start this book in a couple of days. Thanks for letting me be put of this bookray
First I have to agree with some of you. I also love Angela's Ashes and thought 'Tis was an okay read. This book I was hoping to be a better read. I did like his honestly about teaching different students and I can see how he feels about open school night, being a parent my self and going to met a thousand teachers in the past I wonder if he ever went home with a headache after them.
this book si going to the next person on the list, as soon as I get the address :)
Happy hoildays to eveyone out there!
this book si going to the next person on the list, as soon as I get the address :)
Happy hoildays to eveyone out there!
Journal Entry 25 by fungirl503 at USPS in ~~~ ♥ ~~~ A Friend ~~~ ♥ ~~~, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (11/21/2007 UTC) at USPS in ~~~ ♥ ~~~ A Friend ~~~ ♥ ~~~, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
going to miss-owl as soon as I have the address :)
going to miss-owl as soon as I have the address :)
This surprisingly aged-looking book (how is that possible? It came out in 2005!) has made it to our sunny shores Down Under. Over a year of travel & still going strong!
Thanks to all for sending on & to Secretariat for sharing.
Update (3rd Feb): apologies for the delay in getting started. I must confess that as a high school teacher, I just couldn't bring myself to read a school about teaching during my summer break. I'm almost finished my current book so will be starting Teacher Man soon, now that school has resumed for another year. Thanks for your patience!
Thanks to all for sending on & to Secretariat for sharing.
Update (3rd Feb): apologies for the delay in getting started. I must confess that as a high school teacher, I just couldn't bring myself to read a school about teaching during my summer break. I'm almost finished my current book so will be starting Teacher Man soon, now that school has resumed for another year. Thanks for your patience!
I apologise for the inordinate amount of time I've hoarded this book. My own teaching job has been incredibly taxing this year, with three graduating classes (Year 12 in my country) so I've been slowly going mad.
Anyway, I found Teacher Man an entertaining read, and the teaching ideas very engaging (like the excuse note writing). Some of the student anecdotes were particularly poignant.
That said, I struggled with the episodic and disjointed nature of the memoir. What I personally love about teaching is the long-term connection you form with the kids, and while I appreciated the large scope of time McCourt had to cover, I found the lack of narrative flow meant my attention wandered from time to time. He also narrates with a slightly detached tone (although it is laconic, laid-back and humorous) which also distanced me somewhat.
Nevertheless (a nod to McCourt here), an enjoyable read. A record of a very individual man in a time and place very different to my own.
I asked for the next reader's address ages ago. Will PM to confirm before sending this on.
Anyway, I found Teacher Man an entertaining read, and the teaching ideas very engaging (like the excuse note writing). Some of the student anecdotes were particularly poignant.
That said, I struggled with the episodic and disjointed nature of the memoir. What I personally love about teaching is the long-term connection you form with the kids, and while I appreciated the large scope of time McCourt had to cover, I found the lack of narrative flow meant my attention wandered from time to time. He also narrates with a slightly detached tone (although it is laconic, laid-back and humorous) which also distanced me somewhat.
Nevertheless (a nod to McCourt here), an enjoyable read. A record of a very individual man in a time and place very different to my own.
I asked for the next reader's address ages ago. Will PM to confirm before sending this on.
Thanks. Hope to start this soon.
Book got sent off...sometime in the new year. Sorry I don't remember when. It should have arrived by now. Sorry for the delay.
the book is here and i read it asap.so,i will contactthe next person for his/her address.
thanks for sharing . i really enjoyed it. i like frank mccourt's type of writing. and i really wanted to read this book. thanks again for sharing.
thanks for sharing . i really enjoyed it. i like frank mccourt's type of writing. and i really wanted to read this book. thanks again for sharing.
The book was in the mail today. It travelled all the way from Iran. My thoughts go out to Hengameh and his family and friends. Hope there will be peace soon.
It has been a while.......
Since 2003 I fight my battles against a malign brain tumor. There are long stretches of peace - but as it is the nature of cancer - there is always another war.
I neglected Bookcrossing for a couple of years - but still got many books around.....
I will do a wild release with this awesome book.
Cheers from Switzerland
Since 2003 I fight my battles against a malign brain tumor. There are long stretches of peace - but as it is the nature of cancer - there is always another war.
I neglected Bookcrossing for a couple of years - but still got many books around.....
I will do a wild release with this awesome book.
Cheers from Switzerland
Journal Entry 33 by JohnSteed at - irgendwo in Bad Zurzach in Bad Zurzach, Aargau Switzerland on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (6/13/2012 UTC) at - irgendwo in Bad Zurzach in Bad Zurzach, Aargau Switzerland
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
in Plastikbeutel - hinter Verena-Münster
