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corene's review against another edition
5.0
Parker Palmer has so much to say about truth, learning, creating a space for learning to happen, teaching, etc. A gem.
crimsonsparrow's review against another edition
5.0
I continue to be impressed at Palmer’s ability to walk his audience simply and clearly through the intellectual rigors of recognizing and analyzing objectivism as an epistemology rather than the truth to which it claims ultimate access and over which it claims ultimate authority. He does this while also articulating contrasting perspectives and maintaining a brilliant tension between them, demonstrating in unparalleled ways the both-and approach so many wrestle to describe (let alone embody).
This is a MUST READ for ministers, lay leaders, anyone who works in any role in education, leadership, training, or anyone who just loves learning. This is a MUST READ for anyone who is interested in seeking truth and who is seeking to be formed by truth. Frankly, I cannot think of anyone who should not read this book. I also recommend following up with Palmer's "The Courage to Teach."
This is a MUST READ for ministers, lay leaders, anyone who works in any role in education, leadership, training, or anyone who just loves learning. This is a MUST READ for anyone who is interested in seeking truth and who is seeking to be formed by truth. Frankly, I cannot think of anyone who should not read this book. I also recommend following up with Palmer's "The Courage to Teach."
leannaaker's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful read, and one I will keep coming back to as I continue the ongoing process of evaluating and refining my own teaching. I should begin my review by identifying myself as an agnostic/atheist. This book was assigned reading in a Morals in Education course I am taking. I was a bit skeptical that this book would be heavy-handed on religion and Christianity--it wasn't. While several religious stories were included to make points, I found that the author's style really transcended all of the typical adages and exclamations that many religious books do.
Perhaps the most wonderful part of the book were the chapters that dealt with "how to create a space in which obedience to truth is practiced." The phrase "obedient to truth" might raise alarm bells, but it shouldn't. Palmer's conception of obedience to truth will ring true to anyone who is a teacher or has taught. His basic idea is that three basic features are necessary to create this space: openness, boundaries, and hospitality. Not only does Palmer talk philosophically about what this means, but he also gives concrete, implementable strategies and examples.
This is touchy-feely teacher book meets how-to manual meets honest self-evaluation tool. Highly recommend to all educators.
Perhaps the most wonderful part of the book were the chapters that dealt with "how to create a space in which obedience to truth is practiced." The phrase "obedient to truth" might raise alarm bells, but it shouldn't. Palmer's conception of obedience to truth will ring true to anyone who is a teacher or has taught. His basic idea is that three basic features are necessary to create this space: openness, boundaries, and hospitality. Not only does Palmer talk philosophically about what this means, but he also gives concrete, implementable strategies and examples.
This is touchy-feely teacher book meets how-to manual meets honest self-evaluation tool. Highly recommend to all educators.
sungirl99's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Deep work about the core of learning.
ahynesa's review against another edition
3.0
I read this for a seminary course on Christian Education. I know many people who love Parker Palmer's writing and the book has gotten great reviews here. He does have important things to say about education and community, but to me it felt like he's heavy on the aphorisms and a little light on the spirituality.
naum's review against another edition
5.0
One to add to the re-read pile.
One of those books that I highlighted just about every other paragraph.
I need to reread too, as if I attempt to do a roundup of the content, it's going to sound too abstract, but it's not heady stuff at all. Rather, it is an eloquent inquiry into "obedience of truth", what it means to educate and to be educated, that to love is "to know" and "to know" is to love. That it is about asking questions and inciting an inner fire, not about authoritarian objectivism or subjective "everyone has their own truth" relativism.
Have read a number of books by Parker Palmer and most are OK, a few were good, but this was an extraordinary read.
One of those books that I highlighted just about every other paragraph.
I need to reread too, as if I attempt to do a roundup of the content, it's going to sound too abstract, but it's not heady stuff at all. Rather, it is an eloquent inquiry into "obedience of truth", what it means to educate and to be educated, that to love is "to know" and "to know" is to love. That it is about asking questions and inciting an inner fire, not about authoritarian objectivism or subjective "everyone has their own truth" relativism.
Have read a number of books by Parker Palmer and most are OK, a few were good, but this was an extraordinary read.
katie_ellen's review
5.0
Maybe the best book I've ever read on education. Parker Palmer discussed so many questions I didn't even know I had -- this is a book I will own forever.
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