Educating Esme

Yesterday I read Educating Esme and I wasn't impressed, which is really too bad because I've been pining over the book for so long!  I mean, yes I enjoyed reading her "diary" and reading about her students, but nothing was deep- there wasn't a lot of content and I didn't really walk away from it thinking about anything.  I bought a version with 25 tips for new teachers, but nothing was surprising, especially since I paid attention in class for the last four years.


If you're wondering what Educating Esme is about, it's a journal-style narrative that guides you through the author's first year as a teacher.  She talks about her students, the staff, and her frustrations.  It is a really quick read and I don't know what else to say about it...  If you want to read it, you can have my copy (assuming that I know you!).

I wouldn't say it really gave me any true advice or even showed me the ropes of becoming a teacher, with is really too bad.  I guess I chose to read it because I was expecting a "survival guide" type of book.  Her diary entries were about a page at best, which was why there was little depth.  Yes, she struggled with her principal and vice principal, but it was a superficial problem.  I admired her strength (or stubbornness, ha) and creativity, but I wish I could have learned more from her experience.  

I've never been very good at reviews, so I realize that I have no examples to support my claims of "lack of depth".  Sorry, but the book is upstairs and I'm downstairs enjoying a Sunday afternoon!  Find a cheap copy on Amazon if you don't want to take my word for it or borrow/take my copy.

Link to Amazon Review of "Educating Esme"