by G.'Whip' Heitman ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 24, 2014
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
A memoir of a self-educated teacher and his inspiring work in Alaska.
Heitman’s curiously titled debut tells the story of his life, from his struggles as a child with dyslexia to his work as an educator in Alaska. Nicknamed “Whip,” Heitman grew up believing his learning disabilities would prevent him from getting anywhere in life; he acted accordingly, getting into trouble from a young age. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, however, he realized that college was for him, and he worked hard to get through it and beyond. He loved education so much that he decided he wanted to be a teacher, first in California, then in Alaska, where he and his wife, Barbara, moved after learning from another couple about plentiful opportunities for new teachers there. They began by working in a rural village, then moved on to another, even more rural village. These passages focus mainly on life in Alaska: the effect of freezing cold temperatures on regular life, the trouble with flying small aircraft, the culture that inspired the children he worked with, etc. For anyone unfamiliar with Alaska or similar regions, this part of the book is a stunning look at how climate affects every aspect of life and how a person has to adapt to live in it. After several years, the couple moved to Fairbanks, a more metropolitan, livable area, where Heitman began working with children with handicaps and learning disabilities. Here, though there are several interesting looks at the beautiful scenery, the focus shifts away from geography and on to Heitman’s work as a teacher. He was clearly an innovative, empathetic educator, and the methods described here would be useful for anyone in the field. As a memoir, the book suffers from its strictly chronological telling: The story unfolds just as life does, paving over some of the more imaginative narrative opportunities. The memoir might have worked better as a series of essays, since an assortment of interesting themes are at play. Even so, the stories about Alaska and Heitman’s work are fascinating and worth reading, and they are straightforwardly told with humor and candor that help make this memoir a joy to read.
An inspiring, informative life story; recommended especially for teachers and those who want to venture north.
Pub Date: June 24, 2014
ISBN: 978-1496174987
Page Count: 394
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: July 31, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Share your opinion of this book
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
Share your opinion of this book
More by E.T.A. Hoffmann
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
Share your opinion of this book
More by Ludwig Bemelmans
BOOK REVIEW
developed by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.