Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Teacher Man: A Memoir

Teacher Man: A Memoir
Teacher Man A Memoir
Author: Frank McCourt
The Market's bargain prices are even better for Paperbackswap club members!
Retail Price: $26.00
Buy New (Hardcover): $17.89 (save 31%) or
Become a PBS member and pay $13.99+1 PBS book credit Help icon(save 46%)
ISBN-13: 9780743243773
ISBN-10: 0743243773
Publication Date: 11/15/2005
Pages: 272
Rating:
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 212

3.6 stars, based on 212 ratings
Publisher: Scribner
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

57 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
A long awaited book about how his 30 yr.teaching career shaped his second career as a writer of Angela's Ashes and Tis. A tribute to teachers everywhere featuring his irreverent wit and heartbreaking honesty. His unconventional methods leave a lasting impact on his students. Every bit as good as Angela's Ashes.
SouthWestZippy avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 265 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I love teachers who think out of the box. What a unique man, he made his students stop and think in the moment and reach for a future. I love the Poems he used on High School students to make them reach into themselves and find a deeper meaning, like "Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them." The book was written in a down to earth, open and honest way.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 120 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Frank Mccourt's story continues as he relates his experiences as a teacher in New york City. If you have read his other two books, you don't want to miss this one.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
As a retired teacher who can recognize most of the students depicted in McCourt's Memoir, I found his book both delightful and heart wrenching. I also was impressed with some of the teaching techniques that he employed-ones not found in a college education course. The reader also learns something about McCourt as a man as well as a teacher. I liked this book very much.
mimibottoms avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 58 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The third installment in the autobiographical books of Frank McCourt. This one is geared totally toward his years of teaching... not too much about personal life or family, although there are snippets here and there. As usual, very entertaining and humorous. His take on life is very worth the read. I'd recommended reading his two previous books (Angela's Ashes and 'Tis) before this one.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on
Helpful Score: 1
As a teacher, McCourt's book is a true inspiration.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Focused on the middle years of McCourt's life (Angela's Ashes is about his youth), Teacher Man covers his career in the New York public schools teaching english.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 275 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was an amazing tale of Frank McCourt's teaching career in the the NYC public high schools. He aptly describes the essence of good teaching...how you know if the kids are with you. And his kids ARE with him, leading to both hilarious and poignant tales both from the classroom and from his childhood. This book, from the author of Angela's Ashes, written at age 66 after retirement from teaching, is a wonderful story!
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found it interesting at first but got a bit tired by the end. McCourt is quite the story teller.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 91 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Frank McCourt writes eloquently about his thirty year teaching career in the New York City public schools. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone who teaches and it will strike a chord with those who remember high school, as well. It celebrates the profession and the experience.
welee avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a really good book about an Irish Immigrant who came from working the docks to become a teacher. His unique teaching skills reached children that would have been unreachable. His struggles with the kids and the administration were told from the heart.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The style in which McCourt writes is so honest and pleasant to read. His voice reminds me of all of my gruff, overly sentimental, proud and self-deprecating Irish relatives. His teaching advice is poignant for all teachers and all wishing to learn about life.
buzzby avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 6062 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I read bits and pieces (too close to the end of the school year for this teacher to tolerate large doses of student-teacher interplay), it's interesting that he always maintained self-doubt about his teaching abilities, which is probably a sign of a good teacher.
Readnmachine avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 1474 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This third volume of Frank McCourt's memoirs covers his 30-year career as a teacher in the New York school system, and is the weakest of the trilogy. It lacks the lyric power of "Angela's Ashes" or the sense of adventure of "'Tis". "Teacher Man" describes a man sleepwalking through much of his adult life. It doesn't really catch fire until the last 50 pages.
laxmatmom avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 22 more book reviews
Great book.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 3 more book reviews
Light-hearted, not too informative, but enjoyable. A quick read.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 89 more book reviews
A great self-portrait of a high school teacher. Gives you a glimpse of a classroom from the eyes of a teacher. Humorous and honest.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 30 more book reviews
The 3rd installment of the crazy life of Frank McCourt.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 4 more book reviews
I enjoyed this memoir of a teacher. Since it is his story of teaching high school, there is some bad language which would be expected.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 132 more book reviews
McCourt writes about his thirty years in the NYC schools, and it was like sitting around the faculty room in my forty years in the Baltimore schools. Ya gotta love 'em.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 26 more book reviews
Frank McCourt writes in such a compelling way that it's difficult to put this book down. Anyone who has taught will recognize characters and situations from their classroom in this book.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 3 more book reviews
A wonderful book. Filled with touching and amusing experiences of a magnificent teacher/author and his students.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 10 more book reviews
lighthearted, light reading, highly recommended
grammyteach avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 192 more book reviews
I was really disappointed in this book. It's nothing like Tis'.
taggteam avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 4 more book reviews
I had read the other books by Frank McCourt but didn't think this one would interest me, I was wrong! Another great read that I am glad I didn't miss. If you liked Angela's Ashes and 'Tis, you will want to read the rest of the story. An interesting read about an interesting life.
edbulmer avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 2 more book reviews
One of the greatest writers of our time. A must read. He is asble to pull out emotions like no other.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 29 more book reviews
So enjoyable! McCourt showed his impact on the students without bragging. What a diverse life he had. He made me want to be a teacher!
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 10 more book reviews
Great story teller and very in-sightful
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 7 more book reviews
Loved this memoir! His writing is effortless and the stories about his years teaching high school in NYC are funny and heartwarming. It also reminds teachers not to give up.
superdupar avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 115 more book reviews
I am puzzled by this book. The first paragraph stated McCourt's pride over having made something of himself after a terrible childhood. He then proceeds to tell the story of his teaching as part of this. He admits himself that he felt like a fraud much of the time. I can see why! Most of the anecdotes cover stories of his childhood and he admits to not having control over the students. (He seems to waver between intense pride and self loathing.) Although I enjoyed many of his anecdotes(the assignments to write a suicide note, a excuse note to God from Eve, and reading recipes to music), I spent a lot of time wondering how he could have been a wonderful teacher and had kids flocking to the classroom. I must assume that there is something key to McCourt's charming classroom manner that he left out.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 107 more book reviews
This book is a joy to listen to. It's installment 3 in the life of the author. The first installment "Angela's Ashes" won the Pulitzer Prize. I didn't think the second installment ('Tis) lived up to the promise of the first; in fact I didn't finish it because he seemed to spend a lot of time in self-pity. That's what motivated me to get this book on audio cd - I didn't want to spend the time reading it because I thought I wouldn't enjoy it. It was excellent, and probably benefitted a lot by being read by the author in a lovely Irish brogue. Well worth your time if you're at all interested in the life of a dedicated and inovative educator who spent thirty years in NYC high schools. The package includes a bonus disk containing early chapters from his first two books, read by the author.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 53 more book reviews
Fabulous book! As a writer, I found this an encouragement as well. I don't know how you CAN'T enjoy it...
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on
This book was as good as "Angela's Ashes"! I could not put it down.
marcym avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 159 more book reviews
Good entertaining read. I loved his sense of humor.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 24 more book reviews
This book is a great read for anyone who has taught any grade level. In bold and spirited prose featuring his irreverent wit and heart-breaking honesty, McCourt records the trials, triumphs and surprises of teaching in public high schools.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 81 more book reviews
Funny, moving and beautifully written. A must for teachers, a should for everyone else.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 7 more book reviews
This was a thoroughly enjoyable sequel to Angela's Ashes and 'Tis, previous books by Frank McCourt. McCourt writes about his humorous but poignant experiences as a high school teacher. A must for teachers, politicians, and anyone that has ever set foot in a high school!
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on
Not as good as the first two, but definitely worth the read.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 10 more book reviews
If you like Frank McCourt you will probably enjoy this book. He is a great storyteller.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 14 more book reviews
Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, writes of his experiences as a teacher in New York City.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 44 more book reviews
I have never been able to read any of Frank McCourt's books with enjoyment. His writing style is very hard to read for me.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 34 more book reviews
i love all of McCourt's books
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 42 more book reviews
I loved this book. If you are a teacher or even a substitute, as I am, you will realize that the author has school life and students pegged exactly as they are in all walks of life, everywhere. It is an easy read, should be interesting to anyone.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 4 more book reviews
So well written and inspiring!
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on
A memoir of Frank McCourt's experiences in his thirty-year teaching career. He does some unusual discipline techniques as well as unique teaching techniques. Very interesting.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 6 more book reviews
McCourt's autobiography is an easy read, though not amazingly insightful.
superdupar avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 115 more book reviews
I am puzzled by this book. The first paragraph stated McCourt's pride over having made something of himself after a terrible childhood. He then proceeds to tell the story of his teaching as part of this. He admits himself that he felt like a fraud much of the time. I can see why! Most of the anecdotes cover stories of his childhood and he admits to not having control over the students. (He seems to waver between intense pride and self loathing.) Although I enjoyed many of his anecdotes(the assignments to write a suicide note, a excuse note to God from Eve, and reading recipes to music), I spent a lot of time wondering how he could have been a wonderful teacher and had kids flocking to the classroom. I must assume that there is something key to McCourt's charming classroom manner that he left out.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 20 more book reviews
I absolutely love this author, I have collected all his works in hardback. Truly a person who worked hard and was able to achieve the American dream. Books can be a little gritty for those who are used to mainstream, happy books but they will move you. I am a jaded reader and it takes alot to touch me and I have loved everyone of his books
Foucault avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 27 more book reviews
I think I enjoyed McCourt's previous book 'Tis more than this one. I did grow a little tired of it around the middle, and actually put the book down for a while.

I am glad I picked it up again, though, since in the end section, Coming Alive in Room 205 McCourt did really seem to finally find his footing as a teacher, and his story definitely becomes more interesting.

Here's a great review of the book from The New York Times: The Stuyvesant Test

This book came to me via PaperBackSwap.com
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 1452 more book reviews
What a delightful read! Frank McCourt exhibits a wonderfully humorous view of teaching high school students with the humor extending to himself (the teacher). He includes many stories and incidents about himself, teaching, students and the classroom. I really like his style of writing. Found myself chuckling out loud as I read Teacher Man. Excellent read.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 16 more book reviews
This is the 3rd of Frank McCourt's life story. The first was "Tis", which was a remarkable book. I enjoyed this one as much as the first.
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 30 more book reviews
Frank McCourt is a wonderful storyteller and shares his creativity as a teacher. Very enjoyable read for both educators and non-educators.
cdayzee avatar reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 113 more book reviews
I looove Frank McCourt!! I highly recommend all his books!
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 158 more book reviews
"...It's a book that every reader can relate to."
The San Diego Union-Tribune "A begiuling, moving story...McCourt describes the teacher we all wish we'd had." The Washington Post
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 354 more book reviews
REALLY ENJOYED THIS,READING ABOUT SOMEONE WILL GET A CLASSES ATTENTION FOR THEM TO LISTEN!
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on
Love this audio book. Listening to Frank McCourt's brougue narrate the book is a wonderful plus. Any one who's ever taught will enjoy this book. Plenty off laughs to go along with the serious stuff, but no one can make trajedy sound like fun but the Irish. (I admit,I'm a little prejudice about this one!)
reviewed Teacher Man: A Memoir on + 3 more book reviews
Excellent in every way. Frank McCourt's reading of his book makes it perfect.