Nearly a decade ago Frank McCourt became an unlikely star when, at the age of 66, he burst onto the literary scene with Angela's Ashes, the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir of his childhood in Limerick, Ireland. Then came 'Tis, his glorious account of his early years in New York.
Now here at last, is McCourt's long-awaited audiobook about how his thirty-year teaching career shaped his second act as a writer. Teacher Man is also an urgent tribute to teachers everywhere. In bold and spirited prose featuring his irreverent wit and heartbreaking honesty, McCourt records the trials, triumphs and surprises he faces in public high schools around New York City.
Teacher Man shows McCourt developing his unparalleled ability to tell a great story as he works to gain the attention and respect of unruly, hormonally-charged or indifferent adolescents. McCourt's rocky marriage, his failed attempt to get a Ph.D. at Trinity College, Dublin, and his repeated firings due to his propensity to talk back to his superiors ironically lead him to New York's most prestigious school, Stuyvesant High School, where he finally finds a place and a voice.
For McCourt, storytelling itself is the source of salvation and in Teacher Man the journey to redemption -- and literary fame -- is an exhilarating adventure.
Download and start listening now!
"My parents gave this book to me when I was midway through being a teacher with the Teach for America program. Although McCourt's experience was not contemporaneous to this day, the themes and encounters he experienced in the classroom rang true for me. A great book."
— Melanie (4 out of 5 stars)
“Frank McCourt has done it again....Teacher Man is an irresistible valedictory, about a man finding his voice in the classroom, on the page, and in his soul.”
— New York Times Book Review“A beguiling, moving story…McCourt describes the teacher we all wish we’d had.”
— Washington Post“An enthralling work of autobiographical storytelling.”
— Los Angeles Times“As good as writing gets about teaching and learning.”
— USA Today“A brilliantly funny, poignant, brilliant hoot of a book.”
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution" Definitely a negative portrayal of teaching and education, but unfortunately it's the reality of many teachers. He is a classic burned out teacher. So very sad. "
— Melissa, 2/19/2014" Inspiring story of his teaching experience. I loved his books so much, I managed to get a signed copy of this book. "
— Grace, 2/14/2014" Hysterical. He's a master story-teller. And, that's what this is, a story. That's it. Get to know the man who is worth knowing . . . "
— Felice, 2/1/2014" No Angela's Ashes. "
— Mia, 1/24/2014" a little self-congratulatory, Mr. McCourt "
— Tracy, 1/19/2014" interesting...can relate... "
— Chileankeon, 1/19/2014" Teachers will love this book and parents should read it to get a glimpse into what teachers deal with every day. This can be a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend Angela's Ashes, in which he tells about growing up in Ireland. "
— Leigh, 1/2/2014" A realistic look at the world of teaching, as well as into this remarkable man's life. I read everything written by Frank McCourt and recommend it ALL. "
— Lori, 12/28/2013" so far quite funny "
— Kieran, 12/12/2013" Frank McCourt is a master, is he not? In this case, a school master. Engrossing. "
— Raymond, 12/11/2013" Good! Made me want to read more Frank McCourt. "
— Melissa, 12/9/2013" Interesting...picked it up at a discount book store at the beach. Otherwise, probably wouldn't have read. "
— Bev, 11/20/2013" Disturbing book. Real life is very often. Definitely worth the time to read though. "
— Lynda, 10/28/2013" I found that the author tended to focus a little more on his own neuroses than on the work he did as a teacher. I thought there would be more reflection about his teaching career. The book is fine, but the title is a little misleading. "
— Luisa, 10/17/2013" The last chapter justified the book. In earlier sections, the author/narrator sounds a little bored and jaded at times, creating that feeling in me as I listened. But in the last bit, when he opens up about writing the stories of our lives, he moved me. "
— Rosemary, 10/3/2013" Having read this book toward the end of my career, I think Frank has had some of my students in his class. Of course this can not be true because both his and mind students didnot have a brain. "
— Cathee, 7/5/2013" Listened to the audiobook on a drive the weekend - read by McCourt. Always enjoyed his writing style and Teacher Man was no let down. "
— Brooke, 9/29/2012" Would give 3,5 if possible. Decent memoir but I never quite got into McCourt's writing still...I didn't like Angela's Ashes (like, at all). Enjoyed some of th interviews I heard w/ him much more. "
— Isabella, 6/22/2012" He wrote the book I've always thought I could write but wrote it better than I could ever dream to. "
— Mrfulch, 12/28/2011" I love everything McCourt puts out... "
— Colleen, 12/23/2011" Some interesting glimpses into teaching surrounded by the author's personal struggles. "
— Evelyn, 12/17/2011" Lovely, and such a timely read since he just passed away. He never gave up his desire to teach on his own terms-never mind what other people had to say! Highly recommend this book, not just for teachers! "
— Jessica, 10/28/2011" This book is great. I loved reading it. I could read over and over again. Frank McCourt is a great writer. "
— Steven, 7/24/2011" what a wonderful book!! everyone should read this book. "
— Rachel, 7/23/2011" If you like McCourt's writing style you'll enjoy his stories of teaching. "
— Abigail, 6/12/2011" Interesting perspective from a perceptive teacher. "
— Wendy, 6/10/2011" SIX WORD REVIEW: Just when that bridge looked appealing... "
— Sidik, 5/17/2011" Disturbing book. Real life is very often. Definitely worth the time to read though. "
— Lynda, 5/6/2011" Inspiring look into the life of a teacher. "
— Jacob, 4/29/2011" Definitely a negative portrayal of teaching and education, but unfortunately it's the reality of many teachers. "
— Melissa, 4/24/2011" In comparison with Angela's ashes and 'Tis - Teacher man is simply not on the same level.<br/>However it is still very, very interesting reading. Easygoing and captivating.<br/>Also, as teaching interests me - I found this book quite insightful. "
— Davor, 4/24/2011" Just love his skill of writing with which he succeeds to present even the most dire situations in a somewhat humorous light. But in this book he is a little "full of himself". Read all three of his books. "
— Antje, 4/23/2011Frank McCourt (1930–2009) was born in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in Limerick, Ireland, and returned to America in 1949. He taught in New York City high schools for thirty years. His first book, Angela’s Ashes, won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Los Angeles Times Book Award. He won the prestigious Ellis Island Family Heritage Award and the John Dewey Award for Excellence in Education in 2006.