When writer Bruce Holbert (Lonesome Animals; The Hour of Lead) questioned, after 30 years, his worth as a teacher in Washington State, his wife, Holly, decided they needed to write a book that celebrated teachers. The Holberts have compiled a trove of stories written by successful people who recall teachers of lasting impact who appreciated and nurtured their individual strengths and talents and exposed their students to worlds of possibility.
More than 80 essays are included from notable figures in literature, sports, politics, science, business, law--and beyond--who write affectionately about teachers from elementary school through college. George Saunders credits the intervention of two young teachers--who were dating--for putting him on a path to writing. A 30-year friendship with a former college professor continues to impart wisdom to filmmaker Ken Burns. Songwriter Rosanne Cash acknowledges that a no-nonsense college writing instructor taught her "liberation in the same breath that he taught structure." A public-speaking teacher who favored respect over scholastic performance affected actor Beau Bridges. Terrible student Alan Dershowitz is indebted to an eighth-grade teacher who reminded the future lawyer of his own self-worth. And swimmer Janet Evans credits a beloved elementary school teacher for believing her boast that one day she'd win the Olympics.
In an essay by Stewart Lewis about a hippie teacher who inspired the writer-singer, he says, "The power of teachers is overlooked and underestimated in so many ways." This vast collection successfully affirms the influence of unsung educators and gives them their due. --Kathleen Gerard, blogger at Reading Between the Lines