Educators Books

Recieved item on time, right when we were told it would arrive. Book in very good condition.

Several good ideas in here - easy to put many into practice. A quick read, too, which is a bonus for teachers under a time crunch!

The only person who can motivate an unmotivated student is the unmotivated student. All a teacher can do is provide a classroom environment that maximizes the chances that his students will choose to get motivated.

And that's where this book comes in. It is packed with useful and practical suggestions sorted into five big ideas: Emphasizing Effort, Creating Hope, Respecting Power, Building Relationships, and Expressing Enthusiasm. A brief introduction, including research sources, is given for each big idea, then the author gets right to the strategies.

Don't be fooled by the relatively unassuming size and the more then reasonable price. If you teach, this is a book you will use until you've used it up. Then you can buy another copy and another, and you still won't be out the price of many of the educational motivation books that sit pristinely on my shelves collecting well-deserved dust.

I am a teacher at a private school and this book has really open my eyes to some solutions that I can use to motivate some of the most unmotivated students. It is great!!!

I have had students that say they don't care or don't know what school is for. If they are reachable, this book can help a teacher reach out to a student and give them hope. This is a nice guide to reinforce what most teachers already know but need some reminders once in awhile.

I am looking for the 1928 edition, first volume only, by Olive Beaupre Miller.
I am presuming your My Bookhouse is a one volume condensation of the original 6 volume set circa 1928.

This set of books was a part of my childhood, and instilled in me a love of reading that persists to this day. Our particular set was from 1960 and contained only eight of the twelve volumes, but I managed to obtain an entire collection and they are now part of my children's life, too. Each volume begins at a grade level---One being the easiest to Twelve being suitable for high-school level reading. There are selections from some of the finest writers, such as Jonathan Swift, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Rudyard Kipling, as well as fairy tales and folk legends from all around the world, both East and West. The illustrations are gorgeous and some of the monsters quite scary, but there is nothing extremely gruesome or inappropriate for young readers. From the simple and charming nursery rhymes of the first volume to the more mentally and emotionally challenging material contained in the last volume, these books take their reader on a marvelous journey through worlds both real and imaginary. This is a delightful way to open up a child's mind to reading. (For those who find the "Little Black Sambo" story offensive---though he was an Eastern Indian, not African---the versions of "My Book House" published after 1971 do not contain this folk tale from India.)

As an adult, I can look back and see how artfully Olive Miller designed this set of books, leading from nursery rhymes in the first volume to tantalizing summaries of the most bewitching grown up classics in the last. I can appreciate her eclectic choice of illustrations, too (with Dore doing service for Dante near the end.) As a child, from kindergarten through middle school, I only knew that I could spend hours with these volumes every weekend, and always find something fresh and exciting there. And that I would be left thirsty for more - pointed beyond the Book House itself to Pyle and Stevenson, to Dickens and Thackeray and Shakespeare.

It's a pity and a wonder that after serving American kids over half a century of publication, this cornucopia of pleasure and enlightenment ever went out of print.

This set of books was a part of my childhood, and instilled in me a love of reading that persists to this day. Our particualr set was from 1960 and contained only eight of the twelve volumes, but I managed to obtain an entire collection and they are now part of my children's life, too. Each volume begins at a grade level---One being the easiest to Twelve being suitable for high-school level reading. There are selections from some of the finest writers, such as Jonathan Swift, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Rudyard Kipling, as well as fairy tales and folk legends from all around the world, both East and West. The illustrations are gorgeous and some of the monsters quite scary, but there is nothing extremely gruesome or inappropriate for young readers. From the simple and charming nursery rhymes of the first volume to the more mentally and emotionally challenging material contained in the last volume, these books take their reader on a marvelous journey through worlds both real and imaginary. This is a delightful way to open up a child's mind to reading. (For those who find the "Little Black Sambo" story offensive---though he was an Eastern Indian, not African---the versions of "My Book House" published after 1971 do not contain this folk tale from India.)

I think I'm a fairly unimaginative and unemotional person -- being a middle-aged engineer -- but when I surfed through a book site and saw a photograph of the books that make up Miller's "My Book House", uncontrollable tears rolled down my face.
It's not just that they were the most important books of my childhood -- although they were. From ages five to about twelve there wasn't a day I can remember when I wasn't curled up with one or more of them. With each book geared for a particular age, I started with my parents reading Volume 1, and then, puzzling through the longer words, I was off on my first great reading adventure.
But there's more to "My Book House" than individual nostalgia. Written in the thirties, the books exemplify the shortcomings of America of that time: White Christian male role models, Western culture supreme, and even (sigh) "Little Black Sambo". It's a one-sided view of life: nothing from the Harlem Renaissance, no Judy Blume, no TS Eliot.
Yet "My Book House" exemplifies the America of that time whose children's books took values seriously, instructed in virtue without being preachy, and always kept a sense of optimism. And if you want to re-capture that sense of optimism and simple virtue (for yourself, kids, or grandkids), get a set of the twelve "My Book House" volumes, and start reading them to your babies. You won't ever regret it, and neither will they.

Straightforward and very basic way to thoroughly learn how to read, write, and spell words that follow the rules. I have used these books with my children and in my K-1 class as well. Enough repetition and variety as well as a little bit of silliness to launch them into reading and writing.

I taught from a series of books: Primary Phonics I, II, III.
I have lost contact with them and find them hard to find. Without seeing the inside, it is very difficult to know for sure before ordering.

As the description of the books suggests, there were line drawings, word colours and a progressive learning sequence which made these books excellent for teaching.

However, before I order, I'd like to look at the inside of the book (s).

I can be reached at shoulderlane@yahoo.com for further clarification should someone know what the inside looks like.

This is an unimaginative, almost mind-numbing approach to the subject. It was boring for both a student and a teacher who are both excited about the subject.

We seem to live in a society where bells and whistles are a requirement for teaching. These series of books are VERY simple, straight forward primary phonics books. They have black & white text and illustrations. The pictures enhance and reinforce the text rather than distract the reader away from the story. They aren't meant for adult readers, which is the point. The children reading these books are BEGINNING readers. They need to focus on simple words with simple meanings. My kindergartner takes great delight when she accomplishes a book on her own. The books are short, enjoyable and SIMPLE!

I learned to read with this book. (I was three years old. It works -- what else can I say?) My sisters learned to read with this series. I've used it with other beginning readers. IT WORKS.

The simple line art drawings are easy to understand. The simplicity keeps your attention focused on the words. The type is a good size for little kids, and the font exactly matches how you print the letters.

After you fill in the blanks, you get to color the pictures, which has the effect of making you review the page again.

(I recommend that you have a set of eight basic crayons for use with the book so that the child can compare the word "green" on the page to the word "green" on the crayon label -- especially for boys, as they have a higher risk of being partly color-blind.)

The usual recommendation is that the child should only do one page or a couple of pages a day, as this is more effective for retaining and applying the principles behind reading.

Placement tip: If the child easily and rapidly completes the first five pages, turn to the middle or the last few pages in the book, and if they can read them, then it's time to move them up to the next book.

It's important to remember that this is designed for LITTLE KIDS -- people for whom the research has demonstrated that printing letters neatly is a significant, multi-step cognitive task.

Adults will find it simplistic and boring. It's not printed in vivid colors. It doesn't have flashing lights. It doesn't make sounds, and you can't click on anything.

But if your goal is READING instead of entertainment, then IT WORKS.

There is a "consonant book" that can precede this one if the student has very little knowledge of letters and the sounds they make. It's often better to offer something just a little too easy at first instead of something frustrating. If it turns out that it's really too easy, then the child has earned the right to be moved up to the next book without being forced to complete the first one (unless they just want to).

There appears to be new interest in the life and works of Booker T Washington. In her recent anthology, entitled Uncle Tom or New Negro? : African Americans Reflect on Booker T. Washington and UP FROM SLAVERY 100 Years Later; Rebecca Carroll includes the thoughts of a number of prominent African Americans regarding the importance of Booker T. Washington.

With such a provocative title, I couldn't help but dust off my old copy of Up From Slavery to see if there are any useful insights from the dawn of the twentieth century which would be applicable in the 21st century.

Traditionally, there was always a debate regarding his view of the best route for African-American progress. This debate has contrasted Booker T. Washington's advocacy for self-help and practical education against the aggressive advocacy of W.E.B. Dubois for social and political equality.

It is important to place Mr. Washington's work in perspective in terms of the times in which it was written. The American civil war was over. The conflict was (and is) the costliest war for the United States in terms of lives lost. The process of reconstruction was overwhelming and flawed on many levels. Mr. Washington does a good job at describing the fact that many African Americans rushed into political and academic puruits prematurely in the wake of Slavery.

The combination of poorly prepared and unethical individuals in these fields likely was responsible for a number of problems faced by former slaves. Mr. Washington's theory was that through practical education and trades, that African-Americans would be able to prove themselves as being worthy of citizenship in the United States.

While I do agree with Mr. Washington that there is much be said for individuals who have merit and equip themselves with skills necessary to function in modern day society, it is also apparent that the view of Mr. Washington's ,autobiography, was overly optimistic and ultimately limiting.

As a college student in the 1980s, I firmly aligned myself with the philosophies of W.E.B. Dubois as detailed in The Souls of Black Folk


William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was a professor of sociology at Atlanta University who disputed the main principles of Washington's political program, (ie, the idea that voting and civil rights were less important to black progress than acquiring property and achieving economic self-sufficiency). Unlike Washington, who foresaw the steady obliteration of racial prejudice and discrimination, Du Bois prophesied in the opening lines of The Souls of Black Folk: "The problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color-line."


Ultimately, all of the hard work and merit in the world has not been enough to eliminate race prejudice and discrimination of African-Americans. While the actions of Mr. Washington as outlined in his autobiography are clearly laudable; they are (in retrospect) inadequate in terms of achieving equality and justice for minorities in the United States.

Whether you admire, dislike or have barely heard of Booker T. Washington, he remains an important figure in American history and one, I dare say, many of us should know more about. Carroll has put together a very thoughtful and varied collection of work about him which is also the proverbial "good read."

Carroll provides a thoughtful and incisive meditation on race, history and culture--a collage of perspectives that elaborates and enriches the discourse on race.

After reading Saving the Race, by Rebecca Carroll, I was inspired to read her new book Uncle Tom or New Negro. I was not dissapointed. As with the amazing Saving the Race, this new book trancends race issues and provides an important perspective on ourselves as a society in uncertain times. I would suggest reading this book to anyone with a heart and a brain. Carroll moves us with her brillaint insights and the substance to back it up. It is an excellent and riveting read. Important stuff for all people of all races today.

UNCLE TOM OR NEW NEGRO: African Americans Reflect On Booker T. Washington and Up From Slavery 100 Years Later, edited by Rebecca Carroll takes a look back at Booker T. Washington. It was a blend of those who feel that Booker T. Washington was the man with the right ideas regarding race relations in America and those who feel that he let African Americans down in his haste to placate the white majority of the time. His defenders stressed that he worked behind the scenes to push for civil rights and those who were not so enamored of him felt his contributions were lacking in that he stressed hard work for African Americans without pushing for equality as well. Some of the contributing writers were Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Ronald Walters, Earl Ofari Hutchinson and Debra Dickerson. Each presented arguments for their position regarding Booker T. Washington. Also included was the entire text of Mr. Washington's memoir, Up From Slavery, which was extremely helpful in digesting the arguments of the various commentators.

Ms. Carroll did a commendable job of getting together those who are pro Washington and those who have issues with his handling of the race question at the end of the 19th century. The book gives a wonderful overview of the issues surrounding Washington as well as a view of the times when he was successfully attempting to establish his school at Tuskegee. Whether you are for Washington's accomodationist position or against it, it is a book well worth reading for its historical value.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Cathy Duffy has done a terrific job reviewing tons of different curricula. This book will also help you assess your child's learning style so you can tailor your choices to it. This is a great book that you will turn to again and again. It is written from a Christian perspective but I think even non-Christians will find a lot of useful information here. Well worth the money.

Let me begin by saying that this is such a great book ... though not for the faint of heart (it is over 450 pages)! I had to purchase a new highlighter halfway through the book! It is definitely for someone seriously seeking information from a Christian perspective. This book may also be extremely helpful for those who may choose to teach something other than a bible-based curriculum.
I began reading this book hoping that it would answer a few more questions that I had about curriculum; however, it opened up even more ideas that I had never even thought about. I expected to close the book with a head full of pointers. Well, I got that, and so much more! There is a whole world of possibilities out there for today's home-schooler. It was a lengthy, detailed, inspirational read. I recommend it to anyone that has already made the decision to home school, but needs the knowledge to pick a curriculum that is tailored to the child. This book has a wealth of information within its covers.

This book gives you recommendations on how to choose educational materials that would be to the advantage of your child's learning style. It changed my way of thinking that I should use what appeals to me as a homeschooler, not considering if it suits my child's learning style. Find out if your child is a Wiggly Willy, Perfect Paula, Competent Carl or a Sociable Sue. Know what learning situations they prefer and dislike. A treasure chest of information!

This book is helpful to a certain degree, but I much prefer Mary Pride's books.
I appreciate Cathy Duffy's section on learning styles, but got frustrated at the layout of the book. It's not very easy to read. Not very user-friendly and the whole book is rather dull. Also, what I truly wish is that she would have gone into FAR more detail with regards to SPECIFIC learning styles and SPECIFIC products. She does this to a certain degree, but it's all rather cursory. Her review and the whole book, therefore, seems as if it's incomplete.

This is an excellent resource that actually reviews homeschool products by subject and grade.I have never seen such a comprehensive resource as this.Hopefully, in later editions, Ms. Duffy would review products normally used by regular schools whose publishers have become more friendlier to homeschoolers. This will increase the comparison factor. Tips and products that include babies, toddlers and preschoolers in the homeschool scenario would also be a refreshing inclusion. Ms. Duffy, please take note.

Human side stories of E=mc² with perfect blend of science, anecdotes, little biographies, humor, and tragedies for layman. Some of the stories are very interesting, hence I wouldn't forget the people and their contribution to science (relativity theory). Wondering why some of our science text books are not like this!

I am very impressed with the appendix containing the postscripts of the scientists contributed to E=mc² some or the other way and very long list of "suggestion for further reading". I have already noted down some books from that list.

Overall, a very enjoyable read without a bit of feeling of a science book.

I hate writing less than glowing reviews, but this almost excellent book disappointed me.

I was most impressed with this work- until I got almost to the very end. On the positive side, this is the first work I've read that clearly explains "the" equation in a manner even I could understand. It's done using a historical perspective using anecdotes. That makes most of the book a fun read.

Unfortunately, it's biased. In the closing portions of the book, when describing the use of the atomic bomb against Japan, it paints a very one-sided picture about our decision to use the bomb, only quoting sources who were (supposedly) opposed to its use. Some of the facts used were, simply put, stretched a bit, and others.... well, let's just say that my own reading and interviews with people involved paints a somewhat different picture. The author asserts that men such as Eisenhower, LeMay and others did not believe the bomb to be needed, and that's simply not true. The record itself shows that the controversy did not arise until much later- over 20 years later, to be exact.

When the author stays off of his soap box (as he does most of the time throughout the book), it's an excellent work. But I would caution any who read this work to take some of what is said regarding the use of the bomb against Japan with a grain of salt.

Even though I like math & science subjects, I do not normally put math, science and fascinating all together in the same sentence. E = MC2 is such an interesting story, mostly because it brings "life" into the process. The analytical work was well described for each of the respective persons, along with their human side.

Excellent! I will read more by this author!

Because so much has been written about Einstein, it's not easy to come up with a fresh approach to him and his work. But that's what Bodanis has done, by tracing the history of each of the five symbols in the equation E = mc(2). Then Bodanis traces some of the implications of Einstein's work, from the Bomb to Black Holes.

Readers who are primarily interested in the personalities and dramas of science may like this book better than those interested in the science itself. Bodanis made a deliberate decision to keep the scientific content of the main part of the book light (too light for my taste), but then to put more meat into his extensive notes and web site. Call me old fashioned, but I don't want to have to go to an author's web site to get the full story.

Still, for anyone interested in Einstein and relativity, it's a worthwhile read.

Robert Adler, author of Science Firsts: From the Creation of Science to the Science of Creation; and Medical Firsts: From Hippocrates to the Human Genome

I first heard of this book from the TV show of the same name. The show, presented on PBS by Nova on October 11, 2005 was one of the highlights of the year so far. Asuming that the book would be better than the show I immediately went out and bought it. I was not disappointed. The show was great. The book is great. The show brings out the essense of the book in an extremely easy way. The book backs up the show with greater detail. The show will undoubtedly be repeated watch for it, go buy the book now.

Basically this book/show talks about each term in the famous equasion. What is energy, where/when did we start to think of it? And what's mass? And of course c, the speed limit of the universe. This book uses these terms as the starting point to explain how each of these terms were developed. And then Einstein put them together.

The way the book/show treats Lise Meitner is supurb. She was at the cutting edge of nuclear physics for 55 years. In 1992 the 109th element was named Meitnerium (Mt) in her honor (Einsteinium is number 99). One point not mentioned, at the time when she was developing the basic theory of radioactivity as depicted in the show, she was sixty years old, not the young actress playing her part. Einstein called her 'The German Madame Curie.'

In one scene in the show Einstein is talking to his first wife Mileva Maric. He is explaining the equasion. His wife asks if he would like her to check his mathematics. Mileva Maric was no dummy. Largely forgotten until the recent publication of the love letters Einstein wrote to her, she provided enough input into Einstein's theories that she probably should have been listed as a co-developer, but in those days women just couldn't do those things. Further, the show didn't quite bring out that the famous equasion had a very rigorous mathematical background based on the then newly developed tensor calculus.

Enough writing: Get the book, when it comes out buy the DVD of the show, buy the DVD of the PBS show 'Einstein's Wife.' They cannot be recommended too highly.

There are numerous examples and great explanations of the resumes and when to use each type. I am keeping this book for future reference. Unfortunately, it does not help very much if you are a career changer, like me. I did use some of the information in creating my resume, but I would have liked more help for those new to the field that did not recently graduate from college. There is a great section for college instructors as well.

Most teachers do not know how to write a resume....this is a GREAT SOURCE of information. I highly recommend it for an educator who is needing to write a resume. Well worth the money !!!

This book helped me to organize my resume. It is a good resource for key words that are attention grabbers so that your resume will get noticed. I am sure I will use this reference book to help me update my resume in the future too.

Let me tell you, I recently checked out four books from the library that are specifically aimed at teachers (this book, Resumes and Cover Letters for Teachers, 101 Grade A Resumes for Teachers, and Real-Resumes for Teachers). If you want the ultimate book, this is it!

I was utterly amazed at the quality and uniqueness of the resumes included in this book. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the various concepts that the authors have touched upon. This book is A-1, perfect for the 21st century teacher - regardless of where you are at in your career or what subject you teach (there is a specific section aimed directly to you and your situation). If you want to stand out from the crowd and get your resume pulled out of the stack of thousands then this book is the way to do it. Incidentally, if you're looking for an excellent secondary source check out Real-Resumes for Teachers (Real-Resumes Series) (Real-Resumes Series). It won't replace this book by a long shot, but it will give you some additional ideas.

I got this book along with several other resume books for teachers from the library. I thought this book was the best of all of them. It is filled with actual award-winning resumes by real teachers. The authors point out the special features and strengths of each resume. What I especially liked is that they focus on the visual style and formatting of a resume along with the content.

Using the examples and tips in this book, I re-formatted my resume to showcase my strengths and be easier to read. I had sent my old resume to someone in response to a teaching job he had, but I never heard from him. Still hoping to get in at this school district, I sent my new and improved resume to a different person, hoping she might have some openings instead. Well, she gave a copy of my new resume to the first person and he called me the same day for an interview!! I know it sounds like a cliche, but it really happened. My new resume got me in the door, and I got the job!! I highly recommend this book!

My daughter is a auditory learner and like almost all kids at five years of age learning is enhanced by a "hands-on" approach. These books are a good combination of both. Children have to mark their selections with X's and circles and introductory spelling of short vowel words. Book 2 focuses on beginning blends as well. They must also read simple sentences aloud to answer yes/no questions and to choose the sentence that best describes a picture. My daughter and I enjoy these books. They are a good complement to our homeschool phonics program.

The progressive phonics introduction, the engaging little drawings, the repetitive tasks, the systematic skill progression, among other educational objectives, all boil down to one fact ~ THIS WORKS! I've tried several other methods to assist my special child in spelling and reading. While these workbooks are marketed more as a supplement to a reading program, nothing has been more influential in my daughter actually GETTING IT! She is always eager to pull out her Explode the Code book first. The progess is consistently steady. My friend's child who is not learning challenged feels the same enthusiam. The publisher of this series also produces the wonderful Wordly Wise 3000 workbooks which are equally successful and well-received by my students.

My six year old is almost finished with Explode the Code 2; her decoding skills have increased 100% since starting this program. She loves the simple illustrations and the easy to follow instructions, and I love the pace she is learning at-not too fast, not too slow. She actually loves doing her lesson each day, since the worksheets have a predictable format but aren't boring. The lessons are also short, which helps to keep her attention. Overall this is a wonderful foundation phonics program for beginning readers as well as for those readers learning the more complicated rules of grammar.

I have taught with the Explode the Code series for years in private schools, especially in first and second grade. The lessons are very easy to follow - each 8 page sequence introduces a new phonics pattern; the exercises get more challenging as the child moves through the lesson. The directions are very simple and the format is consistent throughout the series. The "1/2" books provide more practice with the previous book's lessons before your child moves on to the concepts in the next book.

My son was given this book by the Title One reading assistant at our school. He was able to do the pages himself and gained confidence in spelling.

I feel this is a great supplement for kids who are a bit behind in their reading skills. I'm getting book 2 &1/2 and 3 to work on in the summer months.

Just a couple minutes ago I put down Jim Kohl's book, NOBLE POVERTY: A Teacher's Life In The Silicon Valley, its last page read. I have to say with all deliberation that it is one of the finest I've ever read.

Jim's writing style so effortlessly puts you into the action. You are with him in his parents' home as he decides on a career for himself. You are with him as he endures the first red tape and abuse from the state education system trying to become a teacher. You have the shakes as he deals with his two weeks as a sub in inner city Alum Rock, you rejoice, and just plain feel good as he slowly figures the way to help problem children as a full-time teacher at LeyVa Middle School. You enjoy the things he enjoys because you are right there with him, enthralled every step of the way. You watch with grim concern as life slowly teaches him that his family will go under if he doesn't find something that pays more, and you wipe away a tear and fight depression when "his kids" find out he is leaving.

My mom taught in the public schools for 18 years. My wife taught in a parochial high school in American Samoa for the last three of our ten years there. Much of what he raises is anything but new to me, yet the way he tells the story you FEEL it all so vividly.

Jim's book is more than a riveting story though. I hope it eventually has a huge circulation. Reason: because it explains so well with first hand examples in page after page the authentic tragedy we are visiting on ourselves by so sadly neglecting the people this country relies on most to give our children the knowledge they need both to take their places as an informed member of our culture, as well as obtain the tools they need to support and raise their own families. Sorry about the run-on sentence, Mr. Kohl!

I was so moved by this story I wrote its author an email asking if the situation miraculously changed, would he PLEASE go back to teaching.

We need the Jim Kohls of this world in our classrooms. We need them desperately.

Whether it's a story of heart and character starring just a regular guy, a member of the American Common Folk that made our country so great you're after, or an eloquent clarion-call to awareness of this vital issue that you need, this story is well worth your time and attention. And it will eagerly grab both I assure you.

Thank you, Mr. Kohl. Thank you for educating at least one more American...me. Thank you for all you did in the classroom and all you have explained with this thoroughly entertaining book, and the gamut of emotion you touch in doing so. I wish every American voter would read it, and hope they do. Thank YOU, the public school teachers of America, who educated my children as they educated me before them and now educate my grandchildren today. FIVE STARS, Jim, for a really moving page-turner.
John W. Cassell

John W. Cassell is the author of five novels on the American Counterculture of the late 1960's, early 1970's, as well as in the action,adventure, and mystery-law enforcement genre. He has recently had published three guest editorial pieces in Israel National News. Cassell retired in 2006 after completing an over twenty-five year career in law enfocement and criminal proecution.

This book is perfect for anyone who has children in public school or plans to have children in public school. Anyone who's trying to get by in the Bay Area, especially someone living on a teacher's salary. It's a quick read. It's fun and heartwarming. Jim has done a great job of bringing you into this part of his life.

This guy is one of the most boring writers I have ever encountered. His dialog makes you cry out " If you use the phrase "That's Cool" one more time in this chapter I can't take it!"

The first half of the book, he spends whining about how "hard" it is to break into the teaching profession and his contempt for the "sell-outs" in the business world. Apparently he thinks a credential earns him the right to an instant job because he's such a wonderful, gifted human being. As if he doesn't have to prove himself and build a reputation through hard knocks like the rest of us.

While the interesting anecdotes start to pick up in the middle part of the book, this work sufers from a lack of reflection on the bigger picture of educational bureacracy in CA.

His own inappropriate outbursts at different people throughout the story, and his pattern of introducing and describing all the characters (unless they're white) by their race --are a reflection of his imature/ narrow world-view and unfortunately this book remains an ego driven work instead of an expose of a very corrupt system (for which I am an employee).

Mr. Kohl lets us into the most difficult decision of his life with warmth and quiet humor, caring and compassion. His wonderful descriptions pull you into the story and as a result I had a hard time putting this book down. I hope to see more from this new author.

As a former educator in Boston, I found this book to be wonderfully written and very touching. Mr. Kohl showed amazing patience and tact in the face of adversity. He touched the lives of many of his students, obviously, who were lucky enough to have such a motivated person at the head of the class. It's a sad fact that teachers are so under-valued and under-paid. I highly recommend this book.

A tome perfectly cromulent in its wordness and allusive vagueosity. On the whole enjoyable - much though at times rarefied prose and wit too lost on me were better spent *THUD* against my bedroom wall.

As a devoted reader of West's novels, I knew the prose would be stylish and witty, but I didn't anticipate how funny this memoir would be. It's a wonderful evocation of an era at Oxford, full of eccentrics, later-to-become famous writers, and West's touching memories of his life at a nearly mythic university. I found it smart, charming, and spirited.

Paul West is a brilliant novelist but it wasn't easy for him to get into Oxford. When he was finally accepted at one of the less well known colleges he had, well, arrived.

This is a touching memoir full of humor and just nice experiences in a world long gone. Oxford still exists of course but the Oxford attended by Paul West exists only in memory. He has, however, put it all down for us in this wonderful book.

West is one of the most versatile writers I know, as his ever-growing list of both fiction and nonfiction titles show. He's particularly fabulous when recalling in his elegrant and playful prose those events and places he experienced first-hand. This recollection and preservation of his youth defines the moments that will eventually make the great stylist he became. He is a writer and a man extraordinaire...and this is a book to be cherished.

Oxford Days is a omni-sensual remembering -- of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches of mid-C20th Oxford University. West brings to life some of the people with whom he lived (he is especially good on Edith Sitwell, George Steiner, Warden John Sparrow, and his supervisor F. W. (?Freddy?) Bateson), loved (several girlfriends are introduced, though discretion gets the better part), and laughed (particularly the camaraderie he enjoyed with fellow undergraduates). There is a series of vignettes of supporting cast members (a custodian, a baroness visiting the college, a college dean, a groundsman, etc.). His mother and father are also lovingly summoned.

On contemporary Oxford he is acerbic ("the Oxford of today is a glum, sulfuric place . . . an ammoniac show-place . . . a Frankenstein overlay on the road map of Southern England"), but on the whole this is a sympathetic, entertaining, and charming appreciation of what Oxford was and bestowed.