New York Times Bestseller: The “miraculous” memoir of an inspiring teacher and the students who changed his life on an impoverished South Carolina island (Newsweek). Though the children of Yamacraw Island live less than two miles from the southern mainland, they can’t name the US president or the ocean that surrounds them. Most can’t read or write. Many of the students are the descendants of … students are the descendants of slaves, handicapped by poverty and isolation.
When Pat Conroy arrives, an eager young teacher at the height of the civil rights movement, he finds a community still bound by the bitter effects of racism, but he is determined to broaden its members’ horizons and give them a voice.
In this poignant memoir, which Newsweek called “an experience of joy,” the New York Times–bestselling author of The Prince of Tides plumbs his experiences as a young teacher on an isolated South Carolina island to reveal the shocking inequalities of the American education system.
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Very interesting experience in an attempt to teach language to an isolated population of children
I Love Pat Conroy’s writing. This book is the story of his year as a teacher. One of his first books. It’s beautifully written.
This really made me think about our history and made me cheer for human spirit, innovation and understanding. I really enjoyed this book.
The writing is among the best I have read. Great book – teachers would really enjoy it and this non-teacher loved it, too.
I enjoy Pat Conroy’s books, although sometimes, like life, he can be a little harsh.
Pat Conroy. It had to be wonderful.
Beautifully written. Careful acknowledgement of southern people’s complex humanity. Always will love this book.
great to follow his early works
Loved reading about his true life during teaching the island children. Very emotional.
Emotionally powerful, heartfelt
This was written about the sixties and the N word is used a lot in the book because it was used a lot by people during that time. So if you don’t like that word you probably won’t want to read this book. But it is very interesting and I enjoyed it a lot.
It was a riveting read. Very sad at times. I did enjoy it however.
A personal glimpse into Pat Conroy and a wonderful book!
As a teacher, this book speaks to me on so many levels. Conroy never disappoints, but this book just rings truer than the rest.
The basis of the film Conrack. Young Pat Conroy before therapy.
Pat Conroy is always enjoyable.