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bethanyrh's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Devastating, heartwarming, and all of the other emotive words. I really loved this book. As someone who currently works at a school there were many parts of this book (namely Janet) that made me laugh, and as a former catholic school student, the Mary McKillop quote (never see a need without doing something about it) had me humming along to the goddamn song we sang at assembly for a good few hours.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Classism
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Minor: Homophobia
jessiessie's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This novel made me think more deeply about the role of teachers and schools in our community. It was well written and kept me wanting to know what was coming next
a_b_hall's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kat_bookworm's review
4.0
This book could easily have been titled “What it’s really like being a teacher” . Set in a rural NSW town, it follows a year in the life of numerous staff at a Catholic primary school, including the principal, vice principal, office staff, first year teacher and experienced teacher. The intertwined storyline paints a (what I expect to be) realistic picture of what being a teacher is like, with a healthy dose of small town drama thrown in!
.
Beautifully written, this story will break your heart (have the tissues handy!) and leave a lasting impact on how you see yourself, those around you, and in your community. You’ll be sure to prioritise what is important in life. After reading this I have such an increased appreciation and respect for our educators 💕
suzannejudith's review
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
nanirump's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was a moving story with a very believable range of characters all with their own issues. It was well paced, was very informative and emotive and made me think a lot about the education system.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
alcro86's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
cgossow's review against another edition
5.0
This book broke me in the best possible way. I am a teacher and a school leader and could relate in some way to every character described in this heartbreaking story of the reality of school life. I have had the privilege of teaching and knowing many Lionels in my career, the students you don’t forget, you lose sleep over and shed many tears over. These are the students that keep you coming back, that remind you why you became a teacher in the first place. As I head into another school year full of the daily busyness of admin work, the constant pressure and unrealistic expectations of society, politicians and media, this book reminds me of my why and helps me focus on the thing that matters most - the students!
mandyherbet's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0