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The Faculty Lounge: A Novel
By the acclaimed author of Moxie, a funny, bighearted adult debut that is at once an ode to educators, a timely glimpse at today’s pressing school issues, and a tender character study, following a sprawling cast of teachers, administrators, and staff at a Texas high school
With its ensemble of warm and unforgettable characters, The Faculty Lounge shows readers a different side of school life. It all starts when an elderly substitute teacher at Baldwin High School is found dead in the faculty lounge. After a bit of a stir, life quickly returns to normal—it’s not like it’s the worst (or even most interesting) thing that has happened within the building’s walls. But when, a week later, the spontaneous scattering of his ashes on the school grounds catches the attention of some busybody parents, it sets in motion a year that can only be described as wild, bizarre, tragic, mundane, beautiful, and humorous all at once.
In the midst of the ensuing hysteria and threats of disciplinary action, the novel peeks into the lives of the implicated adults who, it turns out, actually have first names and continue to exist when the school day is done. We a former punk band front man, now a middle-aged principal who must battle it out with the schoolboard to keep his job; a no-nonsense school nurse willing to break the rules, despite the close watch on their campus, when a student arrives at her office with a dilemma; and a disgruntled English instructor who finds himself embroiled in even more controversy when he misfires a snarky email. Oh, and there’s also a teacher make-out session in a supply closet during a lockdown.
As these people continue to manage the messiness of this school year, there is the looming threat of what will become of their beloved Baldwin High. Ultimately, at the heart of this unconventional workplace novel is a story of the power of human connection and of the joy of finding purpose in what it is we do every day.
With its ensemble of warm and unforgettable characters, The Faculty Lounge shows readers a different side of school life. It all starts when an elderly substitute teacher at Baldwin High School is found dead in the faculty lounge. After a bit of a stir, life quickly returns to normal—it’s not like it’s the worst (or even most interesting) thing that has happened within the building’s walls. But when, a week later, the spontaneous scattering of his ashes on the school grounds catches the attention of some busybody parents, it sets in motion a year that can only be described as wild, bizarre, tragic, mundane, beautiful, and humorous all at once.
In the midst of the ensuing hysteria and threats of disciplinary action, the novel peeks into the lives of the implicated adults who, it turns out, actually have first names and continue to exist when the school day is done. We a former punk band front man, now a middle-aged principal who must battle it out with the schoolboard to keep his job; a no-nonsense school nurse willing to break the rules, despite the close watch on their campus, when a student arrives at her office with a dilemma; and a disgruntled English instructor who finds himself embroiled in even more controversy when he misfires a snarky email. Oh, and there’s also a teacher make-out session in a supply closet during a lockdown.
As these people continue to manage the messiness of this school year, there is the looming threat of what will become of their beloved Baldwin High. Ultimately, at the heart of this unconventional workplace novel is a story of the power of human connection and of the joy of finding purpose in what it is we do every day.
407 pages, Library Binding
First published July 23, 2024
870 people are currently reading
25633 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Mathieu
10 books1,520 followersI'm a high school English teacher and writer. My novels for young people include MOXIE, THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE, DOWN CAME THE RAIN, and more.
My fourth novel MOXIE is a film on Netflix, directed by Amy Poehler. :-)
All my YA novels are published by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan.
In July 2024, I'll be introducing my first novel for adults, THE FACULTY LOUNGE. It's being published by Dutton and follows a sweeping cast of characters who all work at a big public high school in Texas.
I live in Texas with my husband, son, dog, and cat.
When it comes to what I read, I love anything that hooks me on the first page. I adore thoughtful memoirs and creative nonfiction about arts and culture. When it comes to fiction, my favorite contemporary writers are Curtis Sittenfeld, Danielle Evans, and J. Courtney Sullivan. If I could travel into the world of a book (but only for a little bit!), I'd choose an Edith Wharton novel.
My fourth novel MOXIE is a film on Netflix, directed by Amy Poehler. :-)
All my YA novels are published by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan.
In July 2024, I'll be introducing my first novel for adults, THE FACULTY LOUNGE. It's being published by Dutton and follows a sweeping cast of characters who all work at a big public high school in Texas.
I live in Texas with my husband, son, dog, and cat.
When it comes to what I read, I love anything that hooks me on the first page. I adore thoughtful memoirs and creative nonfiction about arts and culture. When it comes to fiction, my favorite contemporary writers are Curtis Sittenfeld, Danielle Evans, and J. Courtney Sullivan. If I could travel into the world of a book (but only for a little bit!), I'd choose an Edith Wharton novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,594 reviews
July 22, 2024
To everyone who works in a school, has worked in one, or knows someone who works in one … this book is for you.
Baldwin High School, a fictional school located in Houston, TX, is put under its corporation’s intense spotlight after the death in the faculty lounge of elderly substitute teacher, Mr. Lehrer, a retired member of the school. When Mr. Lehrer’s final wish for his ashes to be scattered in the school’s courtyard goes comically wrong and earns the ire of the uppity, well-connected PTO president, beloved principal Mark Kendricks finds himself in the hot seat with Central Office. As can be expected, the drama doesn’t stop with the principal, as the small group of staff who attended the ceremony all have their own stories and complicated personalities to be revealed!
You’d think that a story launched by such a dramatic event would be about Mr. Lehrer’s death, but it really plays a minor role. It’s simply the MacGuffin used as an excuse to spotlight the lives of those present at the event they’ve come to call Ashgate, though his story threads at times into others and also receives a dedicated chapter. Another important aspect of the book is the perfectly illustrated, tenuous dynamic between schools and corporation bigwigs, who are often blissfully removed from the real-life difficulties of actually working IN a school.
At just over 300 pages, this adult fiction debut from author Jennifer Mathieu is comprised of only thirteen chapters - each a deeper dive into one of the involved faculty members. These range from idealistic newbie English teacher, Ms. Sanderson, to those like crotchety math teacher Mr. Fitzsimmons, to the revered school nurse, struggling counselor, a custodian with secrets, an assistant principal on the cusp of retirement and embattled Principal Kendricks, among others. What this book does SO well, in both a charming, funny and sometimes melancholy way, is to remind the reader that those in public education, as in any other field, are HUMAN. To be a role model for children doesn’t mean your life is perfect!
While I do think this book will resonate more with those who work in public education, I think anyone who’s experienced the workplace dynamics of a large team of people with such different personalities and a clear power hierarchy will find something they can relate to. I’ve worked as a reading interventionist at an elementary school for over a decade and several other roles before that, so although this book was set in a high school, the issues it highlighted were HIGHLY relatable, and I found myself laughing and cringing along with all of them!
If you enjoy a beautifully written, smart, character-driven novel that hits all the emotions and has a great, yet subtle sense of humor, ESPECIALLY if you work in a school or know someone who does, I highly recommend this!
★★★★
Thanks to Penguin Group Dutton, NetGalley and author Jennifer Mathieu for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
Baldwin High School, a fictional school located in Houston, TX, is put under its corporation’s intense spotlight after the death in the faculty lounge of elderly substitute teacher, Mr. Lehrer, a retired member of the school. When Mr. Lehrer’s final wish for his ashes to be scattered in the school’s courtyard goes comically wrong and earns the ire of the uppity, well-connected PTO president, beloved principal Mark Kendricks finds himself in the hot seat with Central Office. As can be expected, the drama doesn’t stop with the principal, as the small group of staff who attended the ceremony all have their own stories and complicated personalities to be revealed!
You’d think that a story launched by such a dramatic event would be about Mr. Lehrer’s death, but it really plays a minor role. It’s simply the MacGuffin used as an excuse to spotlight the lives of those present at the event they’ve come to call Ashgate, though his story threads at times into others and also receives a dedicated chapter. Another important aspect of the book is the perfectly illustrated, tenuous dynamic between schools and corporation bigwigs, who are often blissfully removed from the real-life difficulties of actually working IN a school.
At just over 300 pages, this adult fiction debut from author Jennifer Mathieu is comprised of only thirteen chapters - each a deeper dive into one of the involved faculty members. These range from idealistic newbie English teacher, Ms. Sanderson, to those like crotchety math teacher Mr. Fitzsimmons, to the revered school nurse, struggling counselor, a custodian with secrets, an assistant principal on the cusp of retirement and embattled Principal Kendricks, among others. What this book does SO well, in both a charming, funny and sometimes melancholy way, is to remind the reader that those in public education, as in any other field, are HUMAN. To be a role model for children doesn’t mean your life is perfect!
While I do think this book will resonate more with those who work in public education, I think anyone who’s experienced the workplace dynamics of a large team of people with such different personalities and a clear power hierarchy will find something they can relate to. I’ve worked as a reading interventionist at an elementary school for over a decade and several other roles before that, so although this book was set in a high school, the issues it highlighted were HIGHLY relatable, and I found myself laughing and cringing along with all of them!
If you enjoy a beautifully written, smart, character-driven novel that hits all the emotions and has a great, yet subtle sense of humor, ESPECIALLY if you work in a school or know someone who does, I highly recommend this!
★★★★
Thanks to Penguin Group Dutton, NetGalley and author Jennifer Mathieu for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
September 3, 2024
4.5⭐️
An exceptionally well-crafted tribute to educators, The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu follows an ensemble cast of characters, members of faculty and staff of (fictional) Baldwin High School in Houston, Texas, through the school year in the aftermath of the sudden death of Mr. Bob Lehrer, retired English teacher, in the teacher's lounge. Mr. Lehrer devoted his life to his profession, even choosing to work as a substitute teacher post- retirement, and the school authorities agree to honor his wish that his ashes be scattered on the school grounds. Unfortunately, on the day of the ceremony everything doesn’t quite go as planned, resulting in a mishap, the consequences of which will be felt throughout the school year.
Structured as a series of interconnected stories (each from the perspective of a different character) through the drama in the aftermath of “Ashgate” and their lives and challenges inside and outside of the classroom. Woven into these stories of empathy, kindness and human connection, is also the story of Bob Lehrer, whose life revolved around the classroom and about whom we get to know more from the recollections of those who interacted and worked with him during his tenure.
We meet the faculty and staff of the school – a diverse group of characters – those new to the profession as well as those on the brink of retirement - teachers, the school counselor, the school nurse and the janitor. I loved getting to know the characters, their personal struggles, their dreams and hopes and their reflections on their own respective careers and much more. The author writes with heart and humor but also touches upon several sensitive themes such as the immigrant experience, alcoholism, loneliness, grief and teenage pregnancy, with sensitivity and compassion. We also get a glimpse into several timely and relevant issues such as internal politics, underfunding, parental interference and censorship and how these impact operations within the public school system.
This is the kind of book that you want to keep on reading. This book will resonate with those who have been a part of the teaching profession or have worked in educational institutions in any capacity. However, I believe that irrespective of the same, this book will strike a chord with you. Overall, I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable, poignant and thought-provoking read that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven fiction.
Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 23, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
An exceptionally well-crafted tribute to educators, The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu follows an ensemble cast of characters, members of faculty and staff of (fictional) Baldwin High School in Houston, Texas, through the school year in the aftermath of the sudden death of Mr. Bob Lehrer, retired English teacher, in the teacher's lounge. Mr. Lehrer devoted his life to his profession, even choosing to work as a substitute teacher post- retirement, and the school authorities agree to honor his wish that his ashes be scattered on the school grounds. Unfortunately, on the day of the ceremony everything doesn’t quite go as planned, resulting in a mishap, the consequences of which will be felt throughout the school year.
Structured as a series of interconnected stories (each from the perspective of a different character) through the drama in the aftermath of “Ashgate” and their lives and challenges inside and outside of the classroom. Woven into these stories of empathy, kindness and human connection, is also the story of Bob Lehrer, whose life revolved around the classroom and about whom we get to know more from the recollections of those who interacted and worked with him during his tenure.
We meet the faculty and staff of the school – a diverse group of characters – those new to the profession as well as those on the brink of retirement - teachers, the school counselor, the school nurse and the janitor. I loved getting to know the characters, their personal struggles, their dreams and hopes and their reflections on their own respective careers and much more. The author writes with heart and humor but also touches upon several sensitive themes such as the immigrant experience, alcoholism, loneliness, grief and teenage pregnancy, with sensitivity and compassion. We also get a glimpse into several timely and relevant issues such as internal politics, underfunding, parental interference and censorship and how these impact operations within the public school system.
This is the kind of book that you want to keep on reading. This book will resonate with those who have been a part of the teaching profession or have worked in educational institutions in any capacity. However, I believe that irrespective of the same, this book will strike a chord with you. Overall, I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable, poignant and thought-provoking read that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven fiction.
Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 23, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
May 18, 2024
Outstanding! I felt every sarcasm, (lived it) as teachers struggle everywhere with today’s students. If you are a new teacher and you have the next 30 years ahead of you, heed to this author!!!
I loved it! Even those that are not teachers and have an understanding of society’s kids, will enjoy a cringe worthy laugh or smile!
It is also a great mystery with so much humor when the death of a teacher happens! Genius!! To teachers and another year!! 🍷
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton Books for this ARC!
I loved it! Even those that are not teachers and have an understanding of society’s kids, will enjoy a cringe worthy laugh or smile!
It is also a great mystery with so much humor when the death of a teacher happens! Genius!! To teachers and another year!! 🍷
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton Books for this ARC!
October 4, 2024
I loved being a college instructor and director. It was a career I cherished, and appreciated. But what was always fun (and sometimes not so fun) were the interactions I would have with fellow faculty and administrators. And, what it could add to one’s day, when our central focus was always on the students!
What really goes on in a faculty lounge of a local high school? Who are the many personalities that “live” and work at that school? What will readers come to learn, and appreciate about the life of a teacher or administrator beyond the classroom/office walls?
This story takes us in to the lives of various faculty and staff who work at Baldwin High School. Through the chapters, the author gives the center of attention to the many different characters that inhabit this story. She also shares through emails and correspondence, what each one is experiencing – and how they really feel! Readers will be going inside – the good, the bad, the ugly – and watch how the characters navigate their lives, as well as how they impact each other.
Thoughtful. Introspective. Interesting. Touching. Witty. Big-hearted. Funny. Sad. Heart-felt. An easy light read to appreciate.
What really goes on in a faculty lounge of a local high school? Who are the many personalities that “live” and work at that school? What will readers come to learn, and appreciate about the life of a teacher or administrator beyond the classroom/office walls?
This story takes us in to the lives of various faculty and staff who work at Baldwin High School. Through the chapters, the author gives the center of attention to the many different characters that inhabit this story. She also shares through emails and correspondence, what each one is experiencing – and how they really feel! Readers will be going inside – the good, the bad, the ugly – and watch how the characters navigate their lives, as well as how they impact each other.
Thoughtful. Introspective. Interesting. Touching. Witty. Big-hearted. Funny. Sad. Heart-felt. An easy light read to appreciate.
August 24, 2024
Jennifer Mathieu’s The Faculty Lounge offers a poignant yet humorous glimpse into the chaotic and heartfelt lives of the staff at Baldwin High School. The story kicks off with an elderly substitute teacher’s sudden demise in the faculty lounge, sparking a series of events that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. Far from being a thriller, this novel is a vibrant mosaic of personal stories and professional challenges faced by educators.
Mathieu masterfully weaves a narrative through the eyes of a diverse cast: a former punk rocker turned principal, a rebellious school nurse, and a disillusioned English teacher, among others. Each character is meticulously crafted, their lives depicted with authenticity and warmth. The depiction of their daily struggles—parental interference, bureaucratic hurdles, and the constant balancing act of personal and professional lives—rings true to anyone familiar with the education system.
The book doesn’t shy away from serious topics like grief, addiction, and family dysfunction, yet it maintains a light-hearted tone that keeps the reader engaged. The spontaneous scattering of the substitute’s ashes by concerned parents sets off a chain of events that’s both hilarious and touching. These moments of levity are balanced with deep, reflective passages that explore the characters’ backstories and motivations.
The Faculty Lounge is not just for those in the education sector; it’s a universal tale of human connection and resilience. Mathieu’s insightful and empathetic portrayal of her characters ensures that their stories will resonate with a wide audience. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of everyday heroes in our schools.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartfelt, funny, and thought-provoking read, The Faculty Lounge is a testament to the unseen lives of educators and their unyielding spirit. Whether you’re an educator or simply someone who enjoys a well-told story, this book is a must-read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Dutton for sharing this fantastic farce's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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Mathieu masterfully weaves a narrative through the eyes of a diverse cast: a former punk rocker turned principal, a rebellious school nurse, and a disillusioned English teacher, among others. Each character is meticulously crafted, their lives depicted with authenticity and warmth. The depiction of their daily struggles—parental interference, bureaucratic hurdles, and the constant balancing act of personal and professional lives—rings true to anyone familiar with the education system.
The book doesn’t shy away from serious topics like grief, addiction, and family dysfunction, yet it maintains a light-hearted tone that keeps the reader engaged. The spontaneous scattering of the substitute’s ashes by concerned parents sets off a chain of events that’s both hilarious and touching. These moments of levity are balanced with deep, reflective passages that explore the characters’ backstories and motivations.
The Faculty Lounge is not just for those in the education sector; it’s a universal tale of human connection and resilience. Mathieu’s insightful and empathetic portrayal of her characters ensures that their stories will resonate with a wide audience. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of everyday heroes in our schools.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartfelt, funny, and thought-provoking read, The Faculty Lounge is a testament to the unseen lives of educators and their unyielding spirit. Whether you’re an educator or simply someone who enjoys a well-told story, this book is a must-read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Dutton for sharing this fantastic farce's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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August 4, 2024
“You really had to hand it to Mr. Lehrer. While dying at work is never ideal, he had the decency to do it during his off period.”
Having taught high school English for several years, The Faculty Lounge seemed like a fun book to read to reminisce about those crazy times. Throw in a teacher dropping dead, and I had high hopes this was going to be a perfect book match.
It is obvious that Mathieu is a teacher herself, as she expertly relays spot on relatable experiences for those who have been on the inside of this profession. I found myself comparing each of the characters with my past teacher friends and colleagues. She tackles hot topic issues such as LGBTQ rights, abortion, alcoholism, immigration, racism, and book banning.
While there are a few humorous moments, The Faculty Lounge is not a funny book. Instead, it demonstrates the purpose of belonging, while humanizing educators and sharing their best kept secrets. I enjoyed the solidarity felt by the faculty in celebrating the life of one of their most dedicated teachers.
One issue I had with the book was with its structure. Instead of a linear plot, each chapter is mostly dedicated to getting to know the teachers at Baldwin High School (literally every moment of their lives until the present time) and then connecting back to the overall plot at large. The chapters are all extremely long, and after the first 30%, I found myself skimming through the lengthy bios. Had I listened to the audiobook, I may have enjoyed this format better.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to those in the teaching profession. If I had not actually been a member of a faculty, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Having taught high school English for several years, The Faculty Lounge seemed like a fun book to read to reminisce about those crazy times. Throw in a teacher dropping dead, and I had high hopes this was going to be a perfect book match.
It is obvious that Mathieu is a teacher herself, as she expertly relays spot on relatable experiences for those who have been on the inside of this profession. I found myself comparing each of the characters with my past teacher friends and colleagues. She tackles hot topic issues such as LGBTQ rights, abortion, alcoholism, immigration, racism, and book banning.
While there are a few humorous moments, The Faculty Lounge is not a funny book. Instead, it demonstrates the purpose of belonging, while humanizing educators and sharing their best kept secrets. I enjoyed the solidarity felt by the faculty in celebrating the life of one of their most dedicated teachers.
One issue I had with the book was with its structure. Instead of a linear plot, each chapter is mostly dedicated to getting to know the teachers at Baldwin High School (literally every moment of their lives until the present time) and then connecting back to the overall plot at large. The chapters are all extremely long, and after the first 30%, I found myself skimming through the lengthy bios. Had I listened to the audiobook, I may have enjoyed this format better.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to those in the teaching profession. If I had not actually been a member of a faculty, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
August 2, 2024
In this YA author's first foray into adult fiction, we get a peek into the lives of various teachers, administrators and staff of a public high school in Texas. Each of the character's individual stories are linked by the death of a substitute teacher in the faculty lounge.
In this honest portrayal of these characters as "human" and "special" we are also allowed to see their imperfections and weaknesses as well as their failings and shortcomings. However, I felt that the story was overly fraught with conflict and drama. It touches on the topics of alcoholism, teen pregnancy, immigration, racism, grief, infidelity, and book banning to name a few. Though it was insightful, I definitely did not find it to be "hilarious" which was mentioned in a few professional reviews.
Overall, this book did not appeal to me. I lost interest within the first 100 pages, and I should have stopped there. Maybe it's because I have never worked in the educational system, or I am not the right audience for this story. Educators and school personnel might find this to be more enjoyable.
2.5 disappointed stars rounded up to 3 stars because I liked the background story of the dead teacher.
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In this honest portrayal of these characters as "human" and "special" we are also allowed to see their imperfections and weaknesses as well as their failings and shortcomings. However, I felt that the story was overly fraught with conflict and drama. It touches on the topics of alcoholism, teen pregnancy, immigration, racism, grief, infidelity, and book banning to name a few. Though it was insightful, I definitely did not find it to be "hilarious" which was mentioned in a few professional reviews.
Overall, this book did not appeal to me. I lost interest within the first 100 pages, and I should have stopped there. Maybe it's because I have never worked in the educational system, or I am not the right audience for this story. Educators and school personnel might find this to be more enjoyable.
2.5 disappointed stars rounded up to 3 stars because I liked the background story of the dead teacher.
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September 4, 2024
Really enjoyed The Faculty Lounge, a fictional story offering a peek into the lives of various staff members at a high school in Houston.
When a substitute teacher is found dead in the faculty lounge, with a final wish for his ashes to be spread onsite, the school faces scrutiny from the district after it complies — Throw in overbearing parents of students, staff facing moral dilemmas and coping with grief differently, and a side of administrative pressures. I liked many of the characters, especially Nurse Honeycutt.
If you’ve ever had an impactful teacher, a coworker you appreciate, or felt discouraged by the state of bureaucracy at work or in your state’s politics, (and I know most of us have, at least at one time or another), this story will resonate with you.
The Faculty Lounge is a timely reminder of all that educators endure, and that you never know what someone is going through. It’s a touching story.
When a substitute teacher is found dead in the faculty lounge, with a final wish for his ashes to be spread onsite, the school faces scrutiny from the district after it complies — Throw in overbearing parents of students, staff facing moral dilemmas and coping with grief differently, and a side of administrative pressures. I liked many of the characters, especially Nurse Honeycutt.
If you’ve ever had an impactful teacher, a coworker you appreciate, or felt discouraged by the state of bureaucracy at work or in your state’s politics, (and I know most of us have, at least at one time or another), this story will resonate with you.
The Faculty Lounge is a timely reminder of all that educators endure, and that you never know what someone is going through. It’s a touching story.
November 12, 2025
3.5⭐️ I'm not an educator, but this was still a funny and entertaining read. There are a lot of characters intermingled with one another. I thought it was quite Elizabeth Strout-esque, only a little edgier.
July 13, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin House Dutton for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
Let me start by saying upfront that I usually avoid all books, television and movies that have to do with the teaching profession. Yet some little voice whispered to give this literary fiction about a group of adults who work at Baldwin High School a try. Jennifer Mathieu shows the humanity that exists in a school building. I laughed and I cried and sometimes the characters in the book did make me think of real people( Oh dear!). As someone who now has 18 years under her belt, not all of the situations in this book have happened to me BUT they are realistic.
Chapters focus on different school characters in this Texan high school. However, the main plot seems to be that the series of events happening within the school put their principal's job in jeopardy.
I don't know if this will appeal to all readers BUT it certainly appealed to THIS reader. Very enjoyable!
Expected Publication 23/07/24
Goodreads Review 12/07/24
#TheFacultyLounge #NetGalley.
Let me start by saying upfront that I usually avoid all books, television and movies that have to do with the teaching profession. Yet some little voice whispered to give this literary fiction about a group of adults who work at Baldwin High School a try. Jennifer Mathieu shows the humanity that exists in a school building. I laughed and I cried and sometimes the characters in the book did make me think of real people( Oh dear!). As someone who now has 18 years under her belt, not all of the situations in this book have happened to me BUT they are realistic.
Chapters focus on different school characters in this Texan high school. However, the main plot seems to be that the series of events happening within the school put their principal's job in jeopardy.
I don't know if this will appeal to all readers BUT it certainly appealed to THIS reader. Very enjoyable!
Expected Publication 23/07/24
Goodreads Review 12/07/24
#TheFacultyLounge #NetGalley.
July 27, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“No one is ever really ready for the first day,” she said.
“So the best you can do is show up and hang on.”
When I was younger, The Faculty Lounge was a great source of mystery and awe. I remember passing it in-between classes or during lunch breaks, and trying to sneak a peek inside at the comfy sofas and refrigerator - a place to unwind, but also to enter, a prestige and privilege only granted to a select few students. Or even after a sweaty P.E. class and pausing in front of its door to catch a whiff of the cool breeze that emanated from the air conditioner that was always on before one of the teachers inside made an amicable tut tut before gently closing the door in my face. 😅
It is though more than just that. While it is a place of relaxation, it's also a place to vent, to reflect, to perhaps take a breather during the day of tackling pimply, sweaty, swearing kids, and wonder if the job and effort worth the troubles - the neverending stress that does not end when you get home. To tackle personal woes and family issues that eventually slip into one's career.
In a way, Jennifer Matthieu's adult debut does exactly that; while not centered solely in the lounge, itself, she presents to the readers an introspective glimpse into a multi-faceted and multi-layered cast, each who inadvertently are affected by the sudden and untimely death of recently retired eighty-two-year-old Mr.Lehrer, one of Baldwin's estimable English teachers, who had just returned to his alma mater as a fill-in substitute teacher. 🧑🏻🏫 The dedication truly speaks for itself, as the narrative, to me, was mainly 'for anyone who has ever worked in a school.' Over a span of a year, the author gives us various accounts into a diverse range of characters - their trials and their triumphs - their defeats and their gains. I do believe that this novel will resonate with those who have ever had experience in working in a school - be it a teacher or an administrator, or even in the custodial staff. I do not deny that many were nodding in agreement to all the little inside jokes and similarities they've felt in their own careers. 📚🏫
“Did he still genuinely love it, or did he only love the memory of it? It was an unanswerable question.”
After I got over my initial irritation over how misleading the title actually is - I mean, aside from the death taking place in the faculty lounge - rarely did the characters return to it - I understood what the narrative aimed to achieve. 'For some of us, it is a vocation, not just a job. It’s what I have always referred to as good work.' It draws on different aspects and prospects of teaching - the good and bad and everything in between, and how we all approach it differently. How their careers have granted them a happy life, some are still searching for it. 😥 The physical and emotional toll it takes on the soul and body as it copes with their own personal losses, while also managing to stay afloat. Thoughts are set adrift as time spent in their dedication to profession also offers us a look into how times have changed. Be it the clash of different opinions between parents and faculty, inclusion of various activities with the advent of pandemic, what still constitutes as permissible reading and what is not- these wayward meandering thoughts searched for a way to find common ground for me to see what the purpose was behind touching upon each matter.
It also showed the solidarity that existed between them; an understanding only known to them of what they do matters and only they know how hard they fight every day to get their point heard. The merits of teaching and the simple joys over a hard-earned and well-served commitment. The challenges of being entrusted to care for so many persons' children - it is a momentous task, and one they do not take lightly. 'You are a teacher. You know that part of being a teacher is to look out for your students.' 🥺 One that they do bring much light into their lives with inside humor and supportive shoulder - be each other's confidant and earn each other's trust and respect by bonding over their shared misfortunes or misadventures. Or even their victories and their success - it is a rewarding feeling of gratification that comes from being one. 🙏🏻
I know the message is a well-intended one; sadly the execution didn't quite reach me. It's not that just because I am not a teacher, I don't know how it feels to experience the highs and lows of the job. It just lacked cohesion; I was not able to empathize with each characters' distinctive struggles and challenges, nor I was also not able to care about their individual successes, either. Not all of the perspectives felt relevant, in my opinion, even if I do agree that the purpose of their inclusion was to show that not everyone was as deeply affected or concerned by Mr. Lehrer's death. That's life, after all. People live and people die - people come and people go. 😔
“But it wasn’t just pride, he realized. It was something else. A feeling of purpose and of belonging. A sense of committing to a cause much bigger than he.”
What matters, after all, is the mark that we leave on society? What will we be remembered by? Will our contribution be measured as one that is worth the effort we put into it? That is really the overall feeling that I felt Mr.Lehrer's taught me - as well as those whose lives he was able to reach. And perhaps those who were able to know and interact with him on a more intimate and personal level - those vignettes and anecdotes made more of an impact on me. ❤️🩹
I think it would have hit differently for me if I could have related to it more or that I could have learned something I did not know already. 😟 It gave me a look into their lives, but it was not something that I was not already aware of - having seen my own teachers work diligently, read/seen media that covers these aspects, as well. I know that teachers are underpaid; I know how stressful their jobs are. I know that they are actual human beings, because I have never discredited or disrespected the gift they've given me. It just felt like it was trying to hard to educate and inform me of the ways of the school system, rather than make me feel the emotions.
I did not feel that it was character-driven, at all; considering the multiple perspectives, none of their stories really related to one another, save for the fact that somehow, they were affected by Mr.Lehrer's sudden and untimely demise. I did not like the forced inclusion of covering such a broad range of backgrounds - the need to highlight the different ways in the histories of how one becomes a part of the school workforce. 😮💨 Yes, everyone's story is different - but it felt too much like it was making a point, rather than connecting the story together. It felt like the author was trying to cover all bases to show those who may be interested in pursuing such a path - that they should be aware of what a daunting challenge it is - '...about guiding these kids to think for themselves and understand how arguments are made.' All the pressures and expectations that come with it, as well as the quiet triumph of success and enjoyment of being of some worth to those who you've been provided the opportunity to import wisdom on. I felt very disappointed and had rather irritated feelings about it, one which became even more apparent when I think about one particular part of the story. 😕
“What happened to institutions when they were no longer needed? What happened to legends when they retired?”
One of the key conflicts is centered on Principal Kendricks, who is under heavy fire from parents and the administration in how he handled the final wishes of Mr.Lehrer's resting place. What bothered me was how all was settled; it felt unjust and rather skillfully convenient to have extreme scrutiny from the administration in how he treated the final resting wishes of Mr.Lehrer come from a parent who is then one who is faced with a personal problem of her own, one which another faculty member assists her with. I know that the author intended to show how misguided the parent was about her views on the way the high school handles things, I get that. I just did not like how it had to be this particular parent - even if it does focus on a concern that most schools sadly are familiar with - it just felt wrong at how it was used. 😕 I was also surprised that there was no mention of grief counseling for students who may have been affected by Mr.Lehrer's death - faculty, yes, but it was not addressed, which I thought odd; but maybe that is the school system. 🤷🏻♀️
All in all, it was not quite an enjoyable read for me. I can see the good parts, I can; but I feel that this really was only written with an intended audience in mind, which then prevents others from connecting or even empathizing with it. For a student, it's merely to feel sympathy for their educators to see commitment and sacrifice, and for a teacher - well, for them to know that they're not alone in thinking or feeling this way.
But, as personal and relatable as it will be for those who recognize a bit of themselves in each of these very various and diverse characters - in order to cover each broad aspect - then, what of those who are simply readers? What of those who are already aware of how important and tantamount teachers' jobs are and who have never ever thought that they were not also normal human beings? Is the effort really worth the hassle? What did I take away from this learning experience of getting an introspective look into the faculty world of the largest high school in Texas, Baldwin High? So much of the time spent reading was noting down my irritated thoughts, that it was not enough to convince me that I did enjoy reading it. Which is a shame, because I did have high hopes for it, having read another work by this author earlier this year. 😞
“No one is ever really ready for the first day,” she said.
“So the best you can do is show up and hang on.”
When I was younger, The Faculty Lounge was a great source of mystery and awe. I remember passing it in-between classes or during lunch breaks, and trying to sneak a peek inside at the comfy sofas and refrigerator - a place to unwind, but also to enter, a prestige and privilege only granted to a select few students. Or even after a sweaty P.E. class and pausing in front of its door to catch a whiff of the cool breeze that emanated from the air conditioner that was always on before one of the teachers inside made an amicable tut tut before gently closing the door in my face. 😅
It is though more than just that. While it is a place of relaxation, it's also a place to vent, to reflect, to perhaps take a breather during the day of tackling pimply, sweaty, swearing kids, and wonder if the job and effort worth the troubles - the neverending stress that does not end when you get home. To tackle personal woes and family issues that eventually slip into one's career.
In a way, Jennifer Matthieu's adult debut does exactly that; while not centered solely in the lounge, itself, she presents to the readers an introspective glimpse into a multi-faceted and multi-layered cast, each who inadvertently are affected by the sudden and untimely death of recently retired eighty-two-year-old Mr.Lehrer, one of Baldwin's estimable English teachers, who had just returned to his alma mater as a fill-in substitute teacher. 🧑🏻🏫 The dedication truly speaks for itself, as the narrative, to me, was mainly 'for anyone who has ever worked in a school.' Over a span of a year, the author gives us various accounts into a diverse range of characters - their trials and their triumphs - their defeats and their gains. I do believe that this novel will resonate with those who have ever had experience in working in a school - be it a teacher or an administrator, or even in the custodial staff. I do not deny that many were nodding in agreement to all the little inside jokes and similarities they've felt in their own careers. 📚🏫
“Did he still genuinely love it, or did he only love the memory of it? It was an unanswerable question.”
After I got over my initial irritation over how misleading the title actually is - I mean, aside from the death taking place in the faculty lounge - rarely did the characters return to it - I understood what the narrative aimed to achieve. 'For some of us, it is a vocation, not just a job. It’s what I have always referred to as good work.' It draws on different aspects and prospects of teaching - the good and bad and everything in between, and how we all approach it differently. How their careers have granted them a happy life, some are still searching for it. 😥 The physical and emotional toll it takes on the soul and body as it copes with their own personal losses, while also managing to stay afloat. Thoughts are set adrift as time spent in their dedication to profession also offers us a look into how times have changed. Be it the clash of different opinions between parents and faculty, inclusion of various activities with the advent of pandemic, what still constitutes as permissible reading and what is not- these wayward meandering thoughts searched for a way to find common ground for me to see what the purpose was behind touching upon each matter.
It also showed the solidarity that existed between them; an understanding only known to them of what they do matters and only they know how hard they fight every day to get their point heard. The merits of teaching and the simple joys over a hard-earned and well-served commitment. The challenges of being entrusted to care for so many persons' children - it is a momentous task, and one they do not take lightly. 'You are a teacher. You know that part of being a teacher is to look out for your students.' 🥺 One that they do bring much light into their lives with inside humor and supportive shoulder - be each other's confidant and earn each other's trust and respect by bonding over their shared misfortunes or misadventures. Or even their victories and their success - it is a rewarding feeling of gratification that comes from being one. 🙏🏻
I know the message is a well-intended one; sadly the execution didn't quite reach me. It's not that just because I am not a teacher, I don't know how it feels to experience the highs and lows of the job. It just lacked cohesion; I was not able to empathize with each characters' distinctive struggles and challenges, nor I was also not able to care about their individual successes, either. Not all of the perspectives felt relevant, in my opinion, even if I do agree that the purpose of their inclusion was to show that not everyone was as deeply affected or concerned by Mr. Lehrer's death. That's life, after all. People live and people die - people come and people go. 😔
“But it wasn’t just pride, he realized. It was something else. A feeling of purpose and of belonging. A sense of committing to a cause much bigger than he.”
What matters, after all, is the mark that we leave on society? What will we be remembered by? Will our contribution be measured as one that is worth the effort we put into it? That is really the overall feeling that I felt Mr.Lehrer's taught me - as well as those whose lives he was able to reach. And perhaps those who were able to know and interact with him on a more intimate and personal level - those vignettes and anecdotes made more of an impact on me. ❤️🩹
I think it would have hit differently for me if I could have related to it more or that I could have learned something I did not know already. 😟 It gave me a look into their lives, but it was not something that I was not already aware of - having seen my own teachers work diligently, read/seen media that covers these aspects, as well. I know that teachers are underpaid; I know how stressful their jobs are. I know that they are actual human beings, because I have never discredited or disrespected the gift they've given me. It just felt like it was trying to hard to educate and inform me of the ways of the school system, rather than make me feel the emotions.
I did not feel that it was character-driven, at all; considering the multiple perspectives, none of their stories really related to one another, save for the fact that somehow, they were affected by Mr.Lehrer's sudden and untimely demise. I did not like the forced inclusion of covering such a broad range of backgrounds - the need to highlight the different ways in the histories of how one becomes a part of the school workforce. 😮💨 Yes, everyone's story is different - but it felt too much like it was making a point, rather than connecting the story together. It felt like the author was trying to cover all bases to show those who may be interested in pursuing such a path - that they should be aware of what a daunting challenge it is - '...about guiding these kids to think for themselves and understand how arguments are made.' All the pressures and expectations that come with it, as well as the quiet triumph of success and enjoyment of being of some worth to those who you've been provided the opportunity to import wisdom on. I felt very disappointed and had rather irritated feelings about it, one which became even more apparent when I think about one particular part of the story. 😕
“What happened to institutions when they were no longer needed? What happened to legends when they retired?”
One of the key conflicts is centered on Principal Kendricks, who is under heavy fire from parents and the administration in how he handled the final wishes of Mr.Lehrer's resting place. What bothered me was how all was settled; it felt unjust and rather skillfully convenient to have extreme scrutiny from the administration in how he treated the final resting wishes of Mr.Lehrer come from a parent who is then one who is faced with a personal problem of her own, one which another faculty member assists her with. I know that the author intended to show how misguided the parent was about her views on the way the high school handles things, I get that. I just did not like how it had to be this particular parent - even if it does focus on a concern that most schools sadly are familiar with - it just felt wrong at how it was used. 😕 I was also surprised that there was no mention of grief counseling for students who may have been affected by Mr.Lehrer's death - faculty, yes, but it was not addressed, which I thought odd; but maybe that is the school system. 🤷🏻♀️
All in all, it was not quite an enjoyable read for me. I can see the good parts, I can; but I feel that this really was only written with an intended audience in mind, which then prevents others from connecting or even empathizing with it. For a student, it's merely to feel sympathy for their educators to see commitment and sacrifice, and for a teacher - well, for them to know that they're not alone in thinking or feeling this way.
But, as personal and relatable as it will be for those who recognize a bit of themselves in each of these very various and diverse characters - in order to cover each broad aspect - then, what of those who are simply readers? What of those who are already aware of how important and tantamount teachers' jobs are and who have never ever thought that they were not also normal human beings? Is the effort really worth the hassle? What did I take away from this learning experience of getting an introspective look into the faculty world of the largest high school in Texas, Baldwin High? So much of the time spent reading was noting down my irritated thoughts, that it was not enough to convince me that I did enjoy reading it. Which is a shame, because I did have high hopes for it, having read another work by this author earlier this year. 😞
August 7, 2025
4.5 stars but rounding up bc this was honestly such a great read! i had so much fun
November 6, 2024
3.5 stars
A really heartwarming read following a group of teachers and other workers at a high school in Texas. It was really sweet and a felt like a true depiction of what it is like to be a teacher in the modern era.
Watch me discuss this book more in my wrap up: https://youtu.be/cOhg7Gow98I
A really heartwarming read following a group of teachers and other workers at a high school in Texas. It was really sweet and a felt like a true depiction of what it is like to be a teacher in the modern era.
Watch me discuss this book more in my wrap up: https://youtu.be/cOhg7Gow98I
September 23, 2024
This is one of those books you know will resonate just by reading the blurb. With the academic setting and that I enjoy character-driven stories this was right in my wheelhouse. Mathieu’s adult debut opens with substitute teacher Bob Lehrer, a retired and well respected English teacher, being found deceased on the sofa in the teachers lounge at Baldwin HS. Controversy ensues one week later when honoring Mr Lehrer’s request - in his will - that his ashes are to be scattered on school grounds. Others do not take kindly to a dead man’s ashes being spread where high schooler’s congregate. This story then delves into the lives of each faculty member involved in the ill-fated fiasco. Each of their lives play out per chapter over the course of one year in varying themes and relevant issues. Its a bit funny, a little tawdry, sensitive and compassionate. Happy to say there is a well meaning point to the story that I love finding here with Mathieu showing kindness does make a difference. ❥ 4 stars — Pub. 7/23/24
August 26, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
This book starts so strong.
I love how the story is told in vignettes but still has time passing chronologically and an underlying plot.
However, some of the stories and characters are significantly more interesting than others. Since you spend a chapter with each character, there were chapters I didn't want to end and chapters I wanted to read the first and last sentence of each paragraph.
This book starts so strong.
I love how the story is told in vignettes but still has time passing chronologically and an underlying plot.
However, some of the stories and characters are significantly more interesting than others. Since you spend a chapter with each character, there were chapters I didn't want to end and chapters I wanted to read the first and last sentence of each paragraph.
May 7, 2024
I received a copy of this from winning a Goodreads giveaway.
The book was engaging as far as the characters, but there was no plot, no growth, no problems to be solved... nothing. Each chapter is about a different faculty member and their life story.. I kept waiting for SOMETHING to happen, and I'm sad to say that it never did.
The book was engaging as far as the characters, but there was no plot, no growth, no problems to be solved... nothing. Each chapter is about a different faculty member and their life story.. I kept waiting for SOMETHING to happen, and I'm sad to say that it never did.
September 17, 2025
As a former educator I was instantly drawn to this book! The premise is both unique and relatable. While I enjoyed it for the most part, I felt like the pacing was a little slow and switching up between characters from chapter to chapter could have had a better flow.
The epilogue brought everything full circle & made me appreciate the journey the author had just taken us on.
3.5 stars
The epilogue brought everything full circle & made me appreciate the journey the author had just taken us on.
3.5 stars
September 2, 2024
3.5 stars
November 26, 2023
“My fun fact is that I absolutely despise fun facts.”
👨🏫
When the elderly substitute and former teacher at Baldwin High School is found dead in the faculty lounge, it affects many on campus in different ways. Throughout the book we meet many on campus from the principal to the counselor to the new teachers to the veteran teachers to the nurse to the custodian who all have stories to tell about their time at Baldwin High in Houston, TX. From 1962 to present day we get a comprehensive look at each character’s life and what it truly means to be in education.
🧑🏫
This wasn’t what I thought this book was going to be at all, but when I saw one of my favorite TX authors had a a debut adult novel releasing I had to check it out. One of the things I appreciated most about this title is the authenticity that comes from someone who is in education now. Only a teacher (particularly, in this case, a Texas teacher) could have written this book. It hit the nail on the head with every single issue we are facing in education now from state testing to book banning to how overworked and underpaid teachers are—everything was relatable, current and will definitely give the public a glimpse into what it’s like to be a teacher in 2023. Every story and connection was poignant and in some cases, hilarious, while others, sad. It was a richly diverse group of characters that I loved learning about. I truly enjoyed this journey. This novel releases July 23.
CW: abortion, forced pregnancy, forced adoption, death, alcoholism, alcohol, cheating, school shooting (mentioned), grief, death of a spouse
👨🏫
When the elderly substitute and former teacher at Baldwin High School is found dead in the faculty lounge, it affects many on campus in different ways. Throughout the book we meet many on campus from the principal to the counselor to the new teachers to the veteran teachers to the nurse to the custodian who all have stories to tell about their time at Baldwin High in Houston, TX. From 1962 to present day we get a comprehensive look at each character’s life and what it truly means to be in education.
🧑🏫
This wasn’t what I thought this book was going to be at all, but when I saw one of my favorite TX authors had a a debut adult novel releasing I had to check it out. One of the things I appreciated most about this title is the authenticity that comes from someone who is in education now. Only a teacher (particularly, in this case, a Texas teacher) could have written this book. It hit the nail on the head with every single issue we are facing in education now from state testing to book banning to how overworked and underpaid teachers are—everything was relatable, current and will definitely give the public a glimpse into what it’s like to be a teacher in 2023. Every story and connection was poignant and in some cases, hilarious, while others, sad. It was a richly diverse group of characters that I loved learning about. I truly enjoyed this journey. This novel releases July 23.
CW: abortion, forced pregnancy, forced adoption, death, alcoholism, alcohol, cheating, school shooting (mentioned), grief, death of a spouse
January 30, 2025
A fabulous insight into the challenges faced by today's teachers and administrators. Told through the voices of multiple school personnel it's a hilarious account of some outrageous incidents they experienced. Thank you to all the teachers who inspire their students.
August 26, 2024
This was an unexpected delight!
August 14, 2024
Trigger warning (legit) for everyone suffering workplace trauma from working in a school. This story rings so true the enforced resilience, the endless bullshit and lack of support, ugh. But its a brilliantly written work, wry, kind and honest.
December 27, 2025
A beautiful story about the lives of public school teachers at a fictional high school in Texas. It is both a humorous and sad view of the mundane, emotional, and politically-charged situations that American teachers face daily. There are so many themes explored throughout the book: the math teacher, an old curmudgeon, who others view as outdated, but is actually the strongest teacher in the building, the Black counselor who feels isolated by her well-intentioned, liberal colleagues, the popular yet mediocre principal who tries to be a good guy, a custodian who is forced to hide in the background due to immigration status, and a cast of characters facing their own mortality as they look towards retirement. The political landscape of this book might be upsetting to some, yet extremely familiar to anyone who has ever worked in a public school.
June 12, 2025
This is such a beautiful book that explores the lives of teachers and all the people who work in a school system. Their POVs were quite interesting and I enjoyed each and every chapter in its essence.
May 5, 2025
I really enjoyed listening to the trials and tribulations of the staff at baldwin highschool. It was just what the dr ordered!!
April 7, 2025
From the opening pages, I knew this would be a book that would resonate. When substitute teacher, Mr. Lehrer dies in the teacher's lounge (on his conference period no less), the young teacher that finds him is traumatized.
Mr. Lehrer's dying wish: that his ashes are scattered right there at Baldwin High School. We get the high points and the low points of those teachers that find themselves gathered for the spreading of the ashes one day after school. Things don't go quite as planned and Principal Kendricks is soon in the crosshairs of the admin building. The story moves forward through the school year offering insight into the faculty's private lives.
I loved that this reads more like a collection of vignettes. If you are a teacher (or know one), this story is so real. It delves into why people are drawn to teaching, the dilemma of how to address your colleagues (with an honorific, by last name only, by first name, only by last name in front of students?) and the trauma of lockdown drills.
I loved that we get a full arc for each character and I came away knowing each one and their motivation. I also understood why each person loves to be in a school working with the students.
A real homage to educators everywhere.
Mr. Lehrer's dying wish: that his ashes are scattered right there at Baldwin High School. We get the high points and the low points of those teachers that find themselves gathered for the spreading of the ashes one day after school. Things don't go quite as planned and Principal Kendricks is soon in the crosshairs of the admin building. The story moves forward through the school year offering insight into the faculty's private lives.
I loved that this reads more like a collection of vignettes. If you are a teacher (or know one), this story is so real. It delves into why people are drawn to teaching, the dilemma of how to address your colleagues (with an honorific, by last name only, by first name, only by last name in front of students?) and the trauma of lockdown drills.
I loved that we get a full arc for each character and I came away knowing each one and their motivation. I also understood why each person loves to be in a school working with the students.
A real homage to educators everywhere.
December 14, 2024
Strong start, sometimes interesting, “teachers are people too” character study.
January 24, 2025
This book was the first book that has truly captured what it feels like to be an educator. Most books and movies that take place in schools, whether teacher as savior stories or comedies where teachers have an appalling amount of time to talk with their coworkers, are so wildly removed from any school building that most educators just roll their eyes at them. This book, however, gives such an accurate portrayal of the struggles and the issues that come with being an educator along with the satisfaction and care for students. Devoid of a true plot line, this book is reminiscent of an Elizabeth Strout book, featuring in depth characterization of various employees at the school, whether the new teacher, teacher at the end of their career, guidance counselor, principal, nurse, or custodian, the characters are relatable and real. The events throughout the book are also relatable; it’s impossible to predict when a normal day of school can turn into an odd story you’ll be telling for years to come, and even though the elderly substitute has never died on the couch in the faculty lounge at any school I’ve worked at, there are many days that bizarre things happen. My favorite part of the book, as someone who is having a difficult teaching year and seriously considering leaving education, is the understanding of the pressure educators are under. The author brings up the standardized testing that is ruining true learning, pop educational methods that have little research behind them that teachers are forced to implement, angry parents demanding different book choices due to their ignorance about critical race theory, laughably irrelevant PD, and even the out of touch requirements of a central office. Overall, this book was just what I needed to read, and I think more people should read this to humanize the people who are underpaid, overworked, and burned out to recognize the humanity and selflessness behind every teacher.
June 2, 2024
I loved this book so much. It's a serendipitous story that shows us how a single person's small actions can connect so many others and how those small connections magnify into even more good. If you are a teacher or have been a teacher or know a teacher please read and recommend this book. It's absolutely brilliant. It will warm your heart over and over again.
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