Scan barcode
readmore's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The views expressed about women and the way the women characters are written screams 1950s and likely will be offensive today. To read this requires accepting the period as it was, or you'll stop in disgust.
noahbalazs's review against another edition
3.0
This is NOT one of those teacher-prevails-against-all-odds, inspirational-type novels. I think that's important to get out of the way immediately. It is the story of a very difficult teaching situation in a vocational high school in NYC. It was written in 1954 and it is 100% a novel "of its time." In regards to gender roles, attitudes about women, and views of discipline, it is very much (at times laughably so) a story of 1950's American culture. An entertaining read and an easy read, though not the "life affirming masterpiece" that most teaching novels try to become. Maybe it's a little more refreshing for that.
More...