Teacher Man: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
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Book Reviews of Teacher Man: A Memoir
Book Review: very entertaining
Summary: 5 Stars
Frank McCourt's third book is as incredibly enjoyable as his first two. In spite of his "miserable childhood", Frank is able to laugh at himself and at life. In this memoir he tells of his experiences teaching thousands of NYC high school students. These memories are probably a lot more enjoyable in retrospect, than they were at the time they took place *laugh*. From the large bodied Jewish boy whose ambition was to become a pig farmer, and wore a jacket he said had belonged to Orson Welles, accompanied by short pants worn in all weather, to stories of Frank's personal experiences in group therapy (one participant in the group told of having sex with a jar of chicken livers), and many other touching and amusing stories, told with honesty and candor. After reading the book, I hope to listen to it on audio as well, especially if it is read by Frank himself. Frank McCourt is one of the most entertaining writers around.Book Review: Better than Angela
Summary: 5 Stars
I tried to read Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes some years ago, and could not slog my way through to the end. The dismal movie version did not motivate me either--and I dismissed McCourt. However upon his recent(2009) demise, I happened upon a television tribute to him including his being interviewed about "Teacher Man". He read a passage from the book and I was compelled to give him another try. I did not regret it. Have you even wondered what your English teacher was really thinking about his students and his hapless job? Read this book. Imagine teaching nearly everyday for 30 years and only at the end finding the motivation to finally write something yourself after having talked about writing (and reading) forever. Those that can do and those that cannot teach. McCourt did both, eventually. The book reads swiftly. I imagine any teacher, English major, writer or Irishperson will love it. And so will everyone else.Book Review: God Bless Frank McCourt
Summary: 5 Stars
The lightest of McCourt's three memoirs, "Teacher Man" picks up where "'Tis" left off, as the author embarks on his teaching career in the public high schools of New York City.
McCourt pulls no punches in his recollections, taking on the school adminstration, B-class writers he bumps into on the outskirts of the City's literary circles, blue-collar parents of his students, and himself. We respect his criticisms of others because he turns the same pink-rimmed eye to his own foibles and errors, whether it be infidelities, inability to complete his doctoral thesis, or lack of knowledge about how to teach.
Over thirty years, McCourt becomes the teacher he always wished he could be -- himself, yet the best self he has to offer his students. And they love him for it. And I loved this book. God bless Frank McCourt. May he live many more quirky years, and may he have the energy to write about them.
Book Review: More Pearls from Frank McCourt
Summary: 5 Stars
After having read Angela's Ashes and then Tis, I couldn't wait to read the long anticipated Teacher Man. And once again, McCourt does not disappoint. No one weaves a story as well as this author. From start to finish, he pulls the reader into his life and never lets go. McCourt makes his experiences come alive as the reader gets to share in his experiences as a teacher in New York. He imparts wisdom to these street-wise American kids that goes far beyond the standard classroom curriculum. McCourt allows us to peer into his psyche and we feel almost viscerally his fear and apprehension as he enters the classroom on his first day of school. His charm and wit allow him to break through the most recalcitrant student and his unorthodox teaching methods confound school administrators but succeed in producing curious and enthusiastic teens. How I wish I had had a teacher like Frank McCourt.Book Review: On Par with Angela's Ashes
Summary: 5 Stars
Frank McCourt made his bones in "Angela's Ashes" by recounting the tales of his life in Ireland to the millions who understood where he was coming from. Many have read Angela's Ashes more than once -- so close to the heart did it hit.
In his next novel, "Tis," he did what any self-respecting Irishman would do - he took a Mulligan and milked the notoriety of "Angela's Ashes" for all it was worth. His fans forgave him and waited for this writer of lyrical prose to get his act together.
With the publishing of "Teacher Man" the wait has ended. He did what his story-telling nature does best - he told of the events in his real life as a teacher in the ethnic public schools around NY City.
The book is a 5-star delight. To his millions of Irish fans, he has undoubtedly added the teachers who struggle to educate reluctant adolescents.