A book devoted to the experiences of lesbian and gay teachers and the innumerable pressures on them to remain closeted. Homophobic parents, the cruelty of kids, unsupportive administrators, concern about exacerbating cultural differences between oneself and one's students are just a few of the trials described by the 37 teachers who contribute their stories to this book. Others encountered physical threats from students or community members, or political opposition from the religious right. However, all attest to the importance of coming out to students. Gay, bisexual, and straight students benefit from gay role models; a third of teen suicides occur among gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, and many more heterosexual teens grow up violently homophobic—in part because they don't think they know any gay people. Many of the contributors discuss, too, the psychic toll of lying to, or misleading, colleagues and students about one's sexuality. Edited by Jennings (Becoming Visible, not reviewed), executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN), the book should initiate worthwhile dialogue in schools. However, it is marred by repetition—many of the teachers tell the same story, and in similar language. Furthermore, self- lionizing is all too prevalent: Everyone emphasizes his or her own bravery, dedication, and willingness to stand by their convictions; one teacher even compares himself to Martin Luther King Jr. Common therapeutic vocabulary (phrases like ``personal growth'' or ``sharing'' rather than ``saying'' something) is rampant. The resources at the end of the book, however, are excellent; one appendix gives a legal overview of the rights of nonheterosexual teachers, another lists relevant national and regional organizations. A useful introduction to some of the obstacles gay teachers face, but this subject merits much livelier treatment.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1994
ISBN: 1-55583-263-6
Page Count: 287
Publisher: Alyson
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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