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appropriate_glassware's review
5.0
Full disclosure: I went to college with Casey. We remain friends. A year or two younger, she is, and so as these things go, I will be harder on her than I am on your average author. So let's get that rating thing out of the way right now: 4.5 stars.
Don't Sniff the Glue isn't about addiction, or recovery ... or is it? I admit I (used to) belong to the "what the hell are you doing teaching, Casey?" camp, an outsider looking into the bureaucratic, political horror show that "Education" as a Topic of Concern has become. Casey brings us into that show, with patience, whimsy, and (because us Gen Xers exist on the Cynical plane) optimistic cynicism (yes that's a thing). Sure there is plenty to get angry - some might say righteous - about, if you choose to. Casey chooses not to, instead demonstrating a passion for her vocation that we have forgotten can exist, that we fervently hope exists, in our genericized, cocktail party version of Education.
This isn't a book for teachers. Or, rather, ONLY for teachers. Sure, it will resonate with them, but they already live the craziness inside the system. This book is for the rest of us, to remind us not just about the importance of the customers of Education (the kids), but also about passion, how it drives us to succeed in the face of absurdity, apathy, and obstacles that can make the less-driven find a quiet corner to weep in. It reminds us how we can change the world.
Don't Sniff the Glue isn't about addiction, or recovery ... or is it? I admit I (used to) belong to the "what the hell are you doing teaching, Casey?" camp, an outsider looking into the bureaucratic, political horror show that "Education" as a Topic of Concern has become. Casey brings us into that show, with patience, whimsy, and (because us Gen Xers exist on the Cynical plane) optimistic cynicism (yes that's a thing). Sure there is plenty to get angry - some might say righteous - about, if you choose to. Casey chooses not to, instead demonstrating a passion for her vocation that we have forgotten can exist, that we fervently hope exists, in our genericized, cocktail party version of Education.
This isn't a book for teachers. Or, rather, ONLY for teachers. Sure, it will resonate with them, but they already live the craziness inside the system. This book is for the rest of us, to remind us not just about the importance of the customers of Education (the kids), but also about passion, how it drives us to succeed in the face of absurdity, apathy, and obstacles that can make the less-driven find a quiet corner to weep in. It reminds us how we can change the world.
leilatre's review
5.0
I admit I could be a bit biased, because I went to college with Dawn. But I really enjoyed following along through her journey and learning about how she got into education, what keeps her there and what makes her fear for the future of our public education system. She has interesting anecdotes and well-thought-out recommendations to make. And her conversational prose and liberal use of humor keep the reading light and fun. If you want a glimpse into the life of our teachers, pick up this book. Also, as a graphic designer, I'll note that the cover art is fantastic. I had to buy the paperback version in order to see it in person and it did not disappoint! Kudos to the designer.