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Reviews
Lit Up: One Reporter. Three Schools. Twenty-four Books That Can Change Lives. by David Denby
mlangman's review
4.0
While there was nothing revolutionary that came from reading this, but it's always nice to see anecdotal evidence that good literature can lead students to a better understanding of how to be good people in the world. Reassuring that we, as English teachers, teach skills that are more than just academic.
booknerd_am_i's review
4.0
This book is brilliant. Denby visits three high schools to answer this question: can kids regain or learn to love and enjoy reading surrounded by a world of media and technology? He takes us on his journey through each of the three high school teacher's lessons, in real time, portraying and analyzing the teacher's methods, the growth of the students and the success of each curriculum. Reading Lit Up made me wonder how MY reading and English Lit experience would be if I had teachers challenging me in terms of intellect and self-discovery instead of just trying to get through the required syllabus. Just a great GREAT book!
bookedupblog's review
3.0
The first half was very interesting and intriguing-after that I lost interest. I haven't read some of the works in the second half, so that could be the reason. I would still recommend it to my ELA teacher friends.
ginabelle's review
4.0
This book was really interesting as I continue my journey in English education. I took a bunch of notes and I was fascinated by the psychological details Denby explores regarding the importance of reading to students and the current generation's obsession with technology. It got a little preachy and long-winded at times in my opinion, but I think Denby shadowed many talented, hard working teachers who are inspiring more youth to read one day at a time. It was inspirational, honest, and insightful.
skundrik87's review
4.0
Very good, it also daunting to look at what high schoolers are reading. East of Eden is a bit long for a school text.
ryalcoll28's review
3.0
The speaker, at times, comes off as condescending, and he frequently digresses in order to opine on what's happening in the classroom he's visiting, but this book did offer some insight into how the "classics" can speak across generations to reach some of our more troubled students. It was a fast and, for the most part, enjoyable read. Any English teacher would likely be able to take something away from this book.
mklodor's review
5.0
I loved reading this book as a pedagogical tool, thinking about how I can emulate these teaching styles and philosophies in my classroom. But I really think this book would be valuable for all those making decisions about literacy education. Denby shines a light on the innovative and sneaky ways English teachers use discomfort, interest, and participation to widen the worlds of our students while teaching great literature. And none of that most valuable learning will ever appear on a test.