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peaknit's review against another edition
3.0
Perhaps even 2.5 stars. Some bits of good mentoring advice but mostly Tim ranting about his annoyances.
harry_lemon's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
4.75
4.75⭐
I originally wanted came to this to learn about Tim Gunn (as I find him extremely fascinating and lovely), but ended up learning a lot more about how important teaching and role-modeling is in life.
I loved reading little anecdotes from Gunn's life and his experinces. What I especially adored was hearing his struggles with redefining the Parson's Fashion Program; truly inspiring and amazing to see how he persisted for what was right.
Although I loved pretty much the entirety of the work, I have to knock it a little bit, just because it's not very "2024". There are a few remarks that can border on being non-PC.
However, that aside I still think this is an amazing work to read. I think that anyone can get something from this and learn new ways of viewing the world, oneself, and how we each move and interact with each other.
I originally wanted came to this to learn about Tim Gunn (as I find him extremely fascinating and lovely), but ended up learning a lot more about how important teaching and role-modeling is in life.
I loved reading little anecdotes from Gunn's life and his experinces. What I especially adored was hearing his struggles with redefining the Parson's Fashion Program; truly inspiring and amazing to see how he persisted for what was right.
Although I loved pretty much the entirety of the work, I have to knock it a little bit, just because it's not very "2024". There are a few remarks that can border on being non-PC.
However, that aside I still think this is an amazing work to read. I think that anyone can get something from this and learn new ways of viewing the world, oneself, and how we each move and interact with each other.
meme_too2's review against another edition
4.0
Confession: I love Project Runway! I've watched it for years and have always enjoyed Tim Gunn's short but meaningful phrases while helping the designers.
I could see myself being friends with Tim Gunn. We could never talk politics or religion, but boy could we get into fashion, education, culture, and etiquette.
He explained his method of mentoring comes out of teaching for many years. He walked into a position where students were babied and pampered and even told how to be creative. Tim said Not on His watch. He overhauled the whole school and demanded the students stand on their own abilities. I like that. Using one of his examples: It's absolutely fine to draw outside the lines while coloring if that's what I want to do.
I could see myself being friends with Tim Gunn. We could never talk politics or religion, but boy could we get into fashion, education, culture, and etiquette.
He explained his method of mentoring comes out of teaching for many years. He walked into a position where students were babied and pampered and even told how to be creative. Tim said Not on His watch. He overhauled the whole school and demanded the students stand on their own abilities. I like that. Using one of his examples: It's absolutely fine to draw outside the lines while coloring if that's what I want to do.
kendrajbean's review against another edition
4.0
I love Tim Gunn. On TV, he comes off as such a real and genuinely empathetic person, and this is reflected in The Natty Professor. The advice he shares about teaching and mentoring isn't earth shattering, but it is really practical. I'm not a teacher, but there were bits of advice that I very much related to regardless.
A fun and educational read.
A fun and educational read.
elizareads35's review against another edition
4.0
The narrative is a bit choppy, but Tim Gunn is awesome as always. I appreciate his warmth, humor, and smarts. Great observations on life, teaching, and mentoring. I listened to this as an audiobook which I highly recommend, as he does the narration.
sleightoffeet's review against another edition
4.0
I must confess, I saw Tim Gunn's picture on the cover of the book, assumed it was a memoir and put it on my wishlist immediately. I didn't realize it was more of a guide to teaching than an autobiography. Because of this, I really started enjoying it more toward the end where it became less about teaching and more about the anecdotes of his life.
I wish Tim Gunn had been my teacher! I don't even care what subject, I just wish I had had the chance to learn something under him. His combination of empathy and pushing his students is really quite amazing. He also seems like a great person, someone who you couldn't just have a short lunch with; there would have to be after lunch coffee stretched into happy hour just to listen to him talk some more.
If you are a fan of Tim Gunn, you will love this, even if it is less of a memoir and more about teaching.
I wish Tim Gunn had been my teacher! I don't even care what subject, I just wish I had had the chance to learn something under him. His combination of empathy and pushing his students is really quite amazing. He also seems like a great person, someone who you couldn't just have a short lunch with; there would have to be after lunch coffee stretched into happy hour just to listen to him talk some more.
If you are a fan of Tim Gunn, you will love this, even if it is less of a memoir and more about teaching.
ginnikin's review against another edition
I didn't agree with everything he had to say, and I wonder how much he would say different today. Regardless, it was full of great teaching tips and some good Project Runway gossip.
dja777's review against another edition
3.0
Light read, interesting thoughts on teaching. Tim Gunn is high on my list of people I would love to just sit and chat with for hours, so I enjoyed how well his voice really came through the text.
carolynf's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up for light Spring Break reading, possibly even a hate-read as I am thoroughly bored by reality TV and never formed a very high opinion of Tim Gunn. This book, however, reveals him to be a wonderful educator with simple and practical advice for teachers. His work is with college students and adults, so I don't think his tips would work with younger students. But for a high school teacher like me, most of it was quite relevant.