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Out of the Woods But Not Over the Hill
For Gervase Phinn growing old is not about a leisurely walk to the pub for a game of dominoes or snoozing in his favourite armchair. As this sparkling collection of his very best humorous writing shows, he may be 'out of the woods' but he is certainly not 'over the hill'.
Looking back over more than sixty years of family life, teaching, inspecting schools, writing and public speaking, Gervase never fails to unearth humour, character, warmth and wisdom from the most diverse of experiences, whether they be growing up in Rotherham with the most un-Yorkshirelike of names or describing why loud mobile phone users get his goat.
Brimming with nostalgia, gently mocking life's absurdities, never shy of an opinion, this is Gervase Phinn at his wittiest, twinkly-eyed best.
Looking back over more than sixty years of family life, teaching, inspecting schools, writing and public speaking, Gervase never fails to unearth humour, character, warmth and wisdom from the most diverse of experiences, whether they be growing up in Rotherham with the most un-Yorkshirelike of names or describing why loud mobile phone users get his goat.
Brimming with nostalgia, gently mocking life's absurdities, never shy of an opinion, this is Gervase Phinn at his wittiest, twinkly-eyed best.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
23 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Gervase Phinn
100 books169 followersGervase Phinn (born 27 December 1946, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England) is an English author and educator. After a career as a teacher he became a schools inspector.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 21, 2013
I've read all of Gervase Phinn's books except his latest, fictional work that came out recently and I have enjoyed them all. I did recognise the very occasional anecdote in this work from previous books but did not find this detrimental to my enjoyment and I found it interesting to learn a bit more about Mr Phinn's life generally, his family and adventures away from OFSTED. However, I did find myself missing the familiar characters such as Connie the Cleaner and the 'routine' of going back to the office to discuss the day's visits with his colleagues. Looking forward to reading Gervase's novel and also going to hear him speak I think next month!
September 28, 2018
Gervase Phinn is one of my favourite authors for something light and easy to read. I've read nearly all his books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I found this book just as engaging but it felt a little disjointed. There's some repetition from previous works, but in spite of that I enjoyed hearing anecdotes from his personal life. Out of The Woods but not Over The Hill felt like a book Mr. Phinn had to write, rather than one that flowed easily from inspiration.
April 25, 2022
Delightful and often funny. I loved that he shared many more of his opinions in this book. Lots of gems. Don’t be put off by some repeats from other books. There is lots of great content here. Read with my friend Elizabeth L..
August 7, 2014
It’s a good one this - a real charming and funny book.
The book is planned quite loosely and even haphazardly (and that’s not a criticism!) into larger chapters that are made up of a series of little tales, anecdotes and stories. Phinn concentrates his social commentary on the subject matter of education, language, life at large and the merits of British (especially English) cultural identity. It would, of course, be totally remiss to not include the fact that Phinn laments fairly expertly on life in the northern county (or country – your choice!) of Yorkshire. With the latter especially, he does it proud and proudly.
Phinn has a lovely writing style that is relaxed and reflective but, possibly more importantly, it really makes you chuckle. There are a lot of little story gems and anecdotes that Phinn includes here from visits all over the place and especially to Yorkshire schools. Stories are told innocently enough but often end with that one final unintended and often seemingly accidental punchline that provokes a gentle giggle and light relief at what really has to be the sanctity and sticking plaster of life – pure humour. Every reader is sure to find their own particular favourite story here and, just for the record, I found the ‘Three Little Pigs’ story to be a real classic – I totally would not have predicted a last line like the one I read here - yikes!
I must admit that at the start of the book I was worried. Within his early narrative Phinn did refer to OFSTED-esque jargon and I quote ‘it is often when the lessons are dull, and the teacher lacklustre, that poor discipline emerges’. As a senior manager in a UK secondary the bells were ringing as I just didn’t want to grapple with any specific OFSTED-esque ideology or potential teacher critique as part of this reading. I admit, I braced at Phinn’s ex-OFSTED involvement but then, through time in the book, reasoned to myself that Phinn as an educational thinker is quite reasonable and liberal with his rationale. I must say that he speaks broadly about school and with what is often good and old-fashioned common sense. I un-braced therefore, I un-braced and enjoyed, no harm done.
I would and will recommend the book to many, but teachers, lovers of good craic and good stories and ‘Yorkshirephiles’ should really create a place on the bookshelf for this.
The book is planned quite loosely and even haphazardly (and that’s not a criticism!) into larger chapters that are made up of a series of little tales, anecdotes and stories. Phinn concentrates his social commentary on the subject matter of education, language, life at large and the merits of British (especially English) cultural identity. It would, of course, be totally remiss to not include the fact that Phinn laments fairly expertly on life in the northern county (or country – your choice!) of Yorkshire. With the latter especially, he does it proud and proudly.
Phinn has a lovely writing style that is relaxed and reflective but, possibly more importantly, it really makes you chuckle. There are a lot of little story gems and anecdotes that Phinn includes here from visits all over the place and especially to Yorkshire schools. Stories are told innocently enough but often end with that one final unintended and often seemingly accidental punchline that provokes a gentle giggle and light relief at what really has to be the sanctity and sticking plaster of life – pure humour. Every reader is sure to find their own particular favourite story here and, just for the record, I found the ‘Three Little Pigs’ story to be a real classic – I totally would not have predicted a last line like the one I read here - yikes!
I must admit that at the start of the book I was worried. Within his early narrative Phinn did refer to OFSTED-esque jargon and I quote ‘it is often when the lessons are dull, and the teacher lacklustre, that poor discipline emerges’. As a senior manager in a UK secondary the bells were ringing as I just didn’t want to grapple with any specific OFSTED-esque ideology or potential teacher critique as part of this reading. I admit, I braced at Phinn’s ex-OFSTED involvement but then, through time in the book, reasoned to myself that Phinn as an educational thinker is quite reasonable and liberal with his rationale. I must say that he speaks broadly about school and with what is often good and old-fashioned common sense. I un-braced therefore, I un-braced and enjoyed, no harm done.
I would and will recommend the book to many, but teachers, lovers of good craic and good stories and ‘Yorkshirephiles’ should really create a place on the bookshelf for this.
July 22, 2015
Another compilation of short essays and occasional short verse by Gervase Phinn.
As usual, he writes warmly and kindly about a whole range of aspects of his career and family life, both in his beloved Yorkshire and beyond - in the UK and the USA. And his love and mastery of the English language, along with reverence for past authors that have nourishing him is breathtaking in scope. It made me want to read even more!
As an series of observations on life, he retrieves many examples of things witnessed or experienced as a Schools Inspector, latterly as a speaker promoting literacy and education for all, and just as many glimses of family life and his evident pride and joy in all his good fortune.
He also let's loose a mild rant periodically, however never really with any menace, and certainly without malice.
This book lacks quite so many charming stories about things children have said (as per other books), however it is gentle and heartwarming in places. It also offers reinforcement (or incitement to challenge more accurately) for people who might hold "fixed views" on things, e.g. litter, language, manners etc. which he joyfully elbows in the proverbial ribs!
Kind. Gentle. Occasionally endearing.
Note: Remember that this is a compilation of short stories (1-4 pages approximately), in case you were looking for more narrative or drama.
As usual, he writes warmly and kindly about a whole range of aspects of his career and family life, both in his beloved Yorkshire and beyond - in the UK and the USA. And his love and mastery of the English language, along with reverence for past authors that have nourishing him is breathtaking in scope. It made me want to read even more!
As an series of observations on life, he retrieves many examples of things witnessed or experienced as a Schools Inspector, latterly as a speaker promoting literacy and education for all, and just as many glimses of family life and his evident pride and joy in all his good fortune.
He also let's loose a mild rant periodically, however never really with any menace, and certainly without malice.
This book lacks quite so many charming stories about things children have said (as per other books), however it is gentle and heartwarming in places. It also offers reinforcement (or incitement to challenge more accurately) for people who might hold "fixed views" on things, e.g. litter, language, manners etc. which he joyfully elbows in the proverbial ribs!
Kind. Gentle. Occasionally endearing.
Note: Remember that this is a compilation of short stories (1-4 pages approximately), in case you were looking for more narrative or drama.
June 30, 2013
Mildly witty and entertaining. An interesting read written by an ex-OFSTED inspector and teacher about the various schools, children, teachers and people he has met on his journey from being an NQT to visiting schools as an OFSTED Inspector to becoming a published writer. Each take is no more than a couple of pages long and this is good bite sized reading if you are short on time or do not wish to read a long book.
It also illustrates how much the brief of an OFSTED Inspector has changed since Gervase Phinn retired and he even acknowledges how much things have changed. Most teachers will relate to some of the stories in here so well worth a read.
It also illustrates how much the brief of an OFSTED Inspector has changed since Gervase Phinn retired and he even acknowledges how much things have changed. Most teachers will relate to some of the stories in here so well worth a read.
February 14, 2011
Not great literature -- but a collection of funny anecdotes by a man who grew up in poor,working class Rotherham, Yorkshire, England with the name Gervase Phinn. He became a teacher and later a school inspector. Most of his stories are about the things young school children have said and done and he writes a good Yorkshire dialect.
A very light, fun read -- and it brought back a lot of memories about English scholing!
A very light, fun read -- and it brought back a lot of memories about English scholing!
February 3, 2013
Over the years I've read several books by Gervase. My first was Up and Down in the Dales. I love his tales from Yorkshire and his life as a teacher and then a school inspector. The Yorkshire dialect and humour is brilliant and funny, I'm always laughing out loud when I read his books. This book combines acecdotes and memories as well as a few personal opinions and Yes! I was still laughing.
May 24, 2012
This autobiography is a gentle retrospective of Gervase Phinn's career as a teacher and school inspector, laced with humorous anecdotes as in all his novels. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves childhood, quirky people and laughter -- a treat.
October 2, 2013
More anecdotes from his years as a school inspector along with observations on various subjects. Maybe not quite as funny as his earlier books but there are still plenty of laugh out loud stories here.
November 17, 2013
I love his humour. With each episode lasting only two or three pages we get an insight into a multitude of events in Mr Phinn's life as a teacher/school inspector/after dinner speaker/family man/human being.
Getting me to laugh out loud isn't easy - I did with this book, many times.
Getting me to laugh out loud isn't easy - I did with this book, many times.
December 22, 2010
very funny and witty book about the author's time as a school teacher/inspector and other witty stories thrown in too
April 25, 2011
Brilliant as ever; another funny and informative book from Mr Phinn. my only problem with this one is that it was too short!
July 23, 2011
Whimsical and charming but didn't keep me engaged...definite beach book material!
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August 17, 2012Very funnY, as usual with Gervase!Some great stories andcharacters.
May 9, 2013
A must read for anybody who works in a school.
February 26, 2013
Gervase Phinn's series are just MUST READS I loved them!
April 14, 2013
Another enjoyable Phinn book. At first I thought this was going to be a compilation of some of his funniest anecdotes. But actually there was a lot more to it.
September 9, 2013
Great to put me to sleep at bedtime! Which is sometimes what is needed!
July 21, 2014
Excellent book ...so many laughs to be had..delightful..he really knows children and puts over the stories so well...You just have to share these tales with others.
August 16, 2014
An amusing enough read, and in short story format so easy to dip in and out of
September 5, 2016
Love a bit of Gervase Phinn for an easy, gentle, quite numerous read.
November 25, 2016
Really enjoy this author's humour and gentle, entertaining stories of life as a school inspector. I have previously read his novels based on his life, but this one was autobiographical.
September 17, 2017
Read the "Dale" books years ago and really enjoyed them, unfortunately this was a little disappointing.
October 29, 2017
An amusing read, easy to dip in and out of but that you want to keep reading. Clearly the inspiration for some of the things that happen in his fiction books.
January 16, 2019
Great light reading and guaranteed to bring a smile.
February 26, 2019
Witty, laugh-out-loud funny tales of Yorkshire.
Love his books.
Love his books.
June 26, 2019
Thank you Gervase for a very witty, lovely book. It covers the wonderful honest observations of children, the blunt adult phrases and the use and misuse of our beautiful language. Highly recommended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2022
I cannot help but love Gervase Phinn’s writing.
It’s so easy to read, so engaging and just so funny. He sees the humour in those things we take for granted, wraps them up in words and delivers them like long awaited gift.
I’m married to a head teacher, two of my children teach and so often Mr Phinn’s stories resonate with some of the similar tales regaled around our dinner table.
I’ve read many of his books and this one didn’t disappoint, possibly not his most amusing (I love his Little School stories) but one I still enjoyed from cover to cover.
It’s so easy to read, so engaging and just so funny. He sees the humour in those things we take for granted, wraps them up in words and delivers them like long awaited gift.
I’m married to a head teacher, two of my children teach and so often Mr Phinn’s stories resonate with some of the similar tales regaled around our dinner table.
I’ve read many of his books and this one didn’t disappoint, possibly not his most amusing (I love his Little School stories) but one I still enjoyed from cover to cover.
October 23, 2023
I’ve enjoyed reading Gervase Phinn’s books about his time as a school inspector the Yorkshire Dales. This one is somewhat of a retrospective as it’s a collection of amusing anecdotes collected over his career. Some I recognised from his earlier books others were new. Overall this collection tells us more about the author as it covers more of his career before and the other books. A pleasant, easy read about a wonderful life. I knocked off one star as the many anecdotes were a bit disjointed in their organisation within chapters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews