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Shadow Lessons
When high school English teacher Sean Cullinan comes across a specialty publisher looking for fresh African American voices, he decides to submit his latest manuscript. One Cully is white. Enter Janine Russell, black lieutenant in the San Francisco fire department and long-time friend of Cullinan. Together, they create a literary hoax that eventually fuels a national race debate.
In Shadow Lessons new author Tim Reardon delves deep into the heart of the volatile American race conversation in a work that overflows with humor, honesty, and courage.
In Shadow Lessons new author Tim Reardon delves deep into the heart of the volatile American race conversation in a work that overflows with humor, honesty, and courage.
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First published June 10, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 30, 2023
A compelling story that continues to bring a relevance on the many perspectives on racial issues in America.
May 5, 2026
Written by our own Tim Reardon and published in 2010. :-)
It's the White version of Affirmative Action, set in SF. I believe Tim was an English teacher at SI at the time. It's a story with an interesting twist, and it's fun to see all of the local landmarks and watering holes incorporated into the story.
I believe Tim came to Riordan as a teacher in 2017, and became principal after Andrew Currier left. Tim helped Riordan go co-ed: the decision was announced on Jan. 29, 2020 to allow girls to enroll for the first time in the school's history. Tim became president in 2022.
From: https://booksrun.com/9780984421992-sh...
"When high school English teacher Sean Cullinan comes across a specialty publisher looking for fresh African-American voices, he decides to submit his latest manuscript. One problem: Cully is white. Enter Janine Russell, black lieutenant in the San Francisco fire department and long-time friend of Cullinan. Together, they create a literary hoax that eventually fuels a national race debate. In Shadow Lessons new author Tim Reardon delves deep into the heart of the volatile American race conversation in a work that overflows with humor, honesty, and courage. "Don't let Reardon's breezy style fool you. Underneath the humor and crackling dialogue is a well-crafted novel. It also just happens to be an off-beat examination of race in America. Don't let that fool you either." -Stephen McFeely, screenwriter, The Chronicles of Narnia"
fin.
It's the White version of Affirmative Action, set in SF. I believe Tim was an English teacher at SI at the time. It's a story with an interesting twist, and it's fun to see all of the local landmarks and watering holes incorporated into the story.
I believe Tim came to Riordan as a teacher in 2017, and became principal after Andrew Currier left. Tim helped Riordan go co-ed: the decision was announced on Jan. 29, 2020 to allow girls to enroll for the first time in the school's history. Tim became president in 2022.
From: https://booksrun.com/9780984421992-sh...
"When high school English teacher Sean Cullinan comes across a specialty publisher looking for fresh African-American voices, he decides to submit his latest manuscript. One problem: Cully is white. Enter Janine Russell, black lieutenant in the San Francisco fire department and long-time friend of Cullinan. Together, they create a literary hoax that eventually fuels a national race debate. In Shadow Lessons new author Tim Reardon delves deep into the heart of the volatile American race conversation in a work that overflows with humor, honesty, and courage. "Don't let Reardon's breezy style fool you. Underneath the humor and crackling dialogue is a well-crafted novel. It also just happens to be an off-beat examination of race in America. Don't let that fool you either." -Stephen McFeely, screenwriter, The Chronicles of Narnia"
fin.
February 21, 2013
Great book. I love how Cully is a sensitive man and yet can stand up for things he truly beliieves in no matter what.
Thank Tim for sharing some of old haunts in SF. I was born in SF. The places you take us like Westlake Joe's or your house allowed me to see my city.
By the way, one of you graduated students recommended the book. Believe in your kraft as an author. Don't make us (me) wait too long for the next.
sincerely your fan,
Karen
Thank Tim for sharing some of old haunts in SF. I was born in SF. The places you take us like Westlake Joe's or your house allowed me to see my city.
By the way, one of you graduated students recommended the book. Believe in your kraft as an author. Don't make us (me) wait too long for the next.
sincerely your fan,
Karen
July 23, 2012
Thoughtful and thought provoking. Was great to see my City and high school through another lens and I loved reading a book by one of my teachers!
October 17, 2010
Can a white man write a book about a Black man? A great story that sucks you into the urban scene and basketball!
December 25, 2010
Excellent insight into a very-political high school while touching on affirmative action. Reardon has an easy flowing writing style. Kept me interested the whole time.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews