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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I love Pat Conroys books! This was a memoir of life in South Carolina Oceanside community from his direct inhabitation! Highly recommend all his writing!
This book is a main reason I became an English teacher back in 1974.
Early Pat Conroy. True story of his life prior to becoming an World renown writer.
Good depiction of Low country life in the 60’s.
I have visited the island and on the tour they mentioned that Pat Conroy had taught there for one year. Wonderful to read his memoirs of this very important time in history – the tumultuous 60’s.
I do not recommend this book because of the language used in it.
This is one of the most authentic books about teaching in public schools. ( I’m a retired teacher.) It is a beautifully written true story with wonderful descriptions. Both the trials and rewards of teaching are included.
Have read all his books. This one is my favorite!
I like all of his books
excellent history
I loved it!
My first to read of Pat Conroy’s writing. Being from the south it really gave me insight into the racial situation and also into small town politics. Also how we all could improve by just being better and kinder human beings. I loved the characters.
While I really enjoyed this book, reader be warned: it’s a novel that reads like a memoir. I was a little fooled by the promo description, and obviously the cover art, and I thought it was an actual memoir when I acquired the book (no, I didn’t Google beforehand), but that doesn’t change my perceptions of the book.
That being said, I really do …
It is early Pat Conroy – what more do you want?
Anything by Conroy is 5 stars. This autobiographical fiction about his early teaching years is awesome. It was made into a movie Conrack with John Voigt.
Inspirational story of the author’s actual experience. Written in his usual captivating style, I enjoy all of Conroy’s books.
The magic of Pat Conroy letting us in with his true story. He’s one of my all-time favorite authors. His talent is to be envied and he is sorely missed both as an author and a person.
In his time, Pat Conroy was and is a phenomenal writer. This one is no exception.
Nonfiction story about the author moving to a small island to become a teacher to very poor African-American illiterate children.
Classic Conroy with the prose that is always lyrical and often shocking in its emotive honesty. The story hits nerves supplying our racial, educational, and political biases and does so in ways that will make you both ashamed and hopeful.
A totally unique book describing personal experience with a clash of cultures and times just off the shore of the US, not in a third world country. All teachers should read and enjoy this book as well as those with inquiring minds.