An interesting expansion on the graduation speech made popular by the title. It covers a little bit of biography and a lot on the author's experienced view on teaching. Even if you don't agree with all of his conclusions, he makes an interesting read along the way. ( )

Although this book wasn't really what I was expecting, I did enjoy it a great deal. It was shelved as 170.4 in my library and my limited knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System told me that that number was for Ethics, so I was curious.

I had not heard of this speech or the chord it struck with people, or I forgot about it if I did. Apparently in 2012, the author, who teaches English at a prep school, made a Commencement Speech in front of the Graduating Class. A lot of kids nowadays aren't allowed to get messy and learn on their own. According to Mr. McCullough, this is a severe detriment to our kids. This book came from the message that they are not special, no matter what anyone tells them. Thirty-seven thousand high schools have thirty-seven thousand valedictorians and innumerable other things. A lot of them try to get into a dream school, (for the sake of example I will say Harvard, but it could be any Ivy) and thus fill their time with things that they don't necessarily like just to impress. There are only so many places at Harvard, and there are tons of kids trying to get in.

All in all, it was pretty well written, and it had tons of references since he is an English teacher and what not. I don't know if it was supposed to become a whole book when he wrote the speech, but from the text itself, the author was surprised by the feedback. Apparently this is what the country needed at that time. Or something. ( )

McCullough’s book came after a similarly themed graduation speech of 2012. His thoughts are well received and regarded because he speaks from the position of an educator of nearly 30 years (Interestingly he spent nearly a decade teaching in the Hawaii high school where President Obama admitted to spending his high school years mostly getting high and “by” academically, confirming McCullough’s thoughts on the subject.). McCullough’s words ring true when he speaks of the real face of education today i.e. grade inflation, little interest in learning, accolades disproportionate to effort, concern with getting “good grades”, but mostly as a way to get into the best colleges. He draws a sad picture of the state of education and learning today. Unfortunately, administrators, teachers, students and parents are party to education which lacks in real substance. The book is an interesting read, particularly in the early chapters (when teaching, learning and education are discussed); it lags a bit when the author gets into youth sports and recommendations about lifestyle and one’s future prospects.

Marsha Y. / Marathon County Public Library
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Liked the premise, but it feels sometimes like it was a good commencement speech, which is how it started out, and is being padded into book-length. ( )

Listened to it. Somewhat repetitive but entertaining with some excellent insights. ( )