Thank you to LibraryThing and the author for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 stars

My dad is a teacher and growing up he always told us not to be. Not because it was a bad job but because there were no jobs in that field. I sometimes wish I had disregarded that advice but other times I believe it may have been what was best.

This is a story of a teacher who never wanted to be a teacher. I enjoyed reading about the experiences spanning 40+ years. The best teachers, in my opinion, are the ones that foster a sense of love and growth for the students. My sixth grade teacher who read us the Hunger Games and Dr Seuss, who was kind and fun and did things like take us outside and sit on the grass - that kind of teacher that made each day feel exciting. (Especially when, even as a young child, I was becoming bored and disillusioned with school in general.) Or my high-school philosophy/history teacher who taught us the facts straight but was kind and patient like a father teaching his children. Or even my college history professor who had us do fun activities and made us all laugh with the wildest stuff.

I've had bad teachers, too. The one who told me I was a "negative presence" in his classroom. The one who told me I was "too descriptive and creative" as I retold a moment in my life that changed me. (She wasn't satisfied until I talked about my grandma's passing which I still find unfair.)

But, I prefer to remember the teachers who actually tried. The one who read my dumb lists of songs I thought he should check out because he liked music, too. The one who a friend and I were able to discuss a sequel book with and listen as she gave her very honest opinion. Sometimes I wonder about the teachers who seemed mean or uninteresting but then I hear the perspective from others who say that teacher inspired them or changed their life. I don't think it can be black or white. And I think everyone's experience can be valid at the same time. Two truths - you liked Mr. X and I thought he was rude. You found Ms. Y's class mind-numbing and I thought it was inspiring.

At the end of the day, the best teacher (in my own opinion) is the one who tries to foster understanding, respect and open-mindedness in their students. Not forcing them to feel or think a certain way, not berating them for a disability or something they can't control- no. The one who learns their students strengths and weaknesses and tries to help them. (Like my grade 10 summer school teacher who taught us math like we were 5. I did amazing in that class and in grade 11, when a similar method occurred, I did the best I ever had. I needed that. I needed to be taught like that.)

This was a great read and I do highly recommend it. It's making me think a lot about my own life, career and uncertain future. I think that's a good thing. ( )

Not very interesting. The poems are haphazard in style though the progression is chronological. It covers Austin's entire career. There's too much ground to cover and each section seems to not be given enough attention. ( )

A somewhat whimsical but often very moving memoir written in verse describing the highs and lows of a life of teaching. Patricia Austin quite uniquely captures the often sinusoidal daily life of a conscientious, dedicated and loving educator.
From a 3 line haiku to a 2 page free verse description these short vignettes capture the love, dedication and sometimes trauma of such a life. This is a joy to read as you follow her experiences from clueless college philosophy major to an advanced degree master educator of children's literature.
An excellent primer for anyone either thinking about entering or currently engaged in this so fundamentally necessary profession. ( )

This is a great book written in verse about a teacher's life. In the end,we learn teachers are people just like us. Maybe a bit more perfect than the Average Joe. Thank you for the chance to read and review this book. I hope Patricia Austin will have many happy years after teaching school. ( )

I love this book so much fun to read all these poems ... I highly recomend this book as well . If you like poetry then you will love this book . ( )