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Crazy is Normal
"Readers who envision eager students lapping up learning led by a Tiger Teacher will be disappointed. Lofthouse presents us with grungy classrooms, kids who don’t want to be in school, and the consequences of growing up in a hardscrabble world. While some parents support his efforts, many sabotage them—and isolated administrators make the work of Lofthouse and his peers even more difficult. Throughout this journal, though, Lofthouse seems able to keep the hope alive that there’s a future for each student that doesn’t include jail—thanks in large part to his sixth period journalism class and its incredible editor, Amanda." – Bruce Reeves
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2014
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Lloyd Lofthouse
13 books27 followersLloyd joined the United States Marines and served in Vietnam in 1966 as a field radio operator. Soon after graduating with a BA in journalism from Fresno State University, California, Lloyd started teaching English, literature, reading and journalism in the public schools from 1975 to 2005. Along the way, he enjoyed working as a maitre d' in a multi-million dollar nightclub and taught himself to count cards where he made some money in Las Vegas. If Lloyd stuck to what he learned about counting cards, he always left Vegas with more money than he arrived with.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 24, 2014
First of all, I am a teacher, so know that I come into this review somewhat biased. I have read other books by this author, but this was a bit different--in a good way. Chronicling a tough year in high school education made this an intriguing read for me. I was constantly impressed with how this teacher handled his students without backing down and giving into the pressure of the students, parents, and the administrators. Having been there myself, I know all too well how easy it is to give in, and my hat goes off to this man. I would not have been able to do what he did. That's why I am a substitute teacher which seems to go much better for me in today's society.
My only real caution is that there is some profanity. Direct quotes from students for the most part. The writing is exceptional, and the book is detailed (that could be a problem for some). But it is possibly the best education memoir I have ever read.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opininos are 100 percent mine.
My only real caution is that there is some profanity. Direct quotes from students for the most part. The writing is exceptional, and the book is detailed (that could be a problem for some). But it is possibly the best education memoir I have ever read.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opininos are 100 percent mine.
November 2, 2014
Crazy is Normal: a classroom exposé by Lloyd Lofthouse is a highly recommended memoir from an experienced teacher recounting in detail the year 1994-95.
After 30 years of teaching Lloyd Lofthouse decided to write a brutally honest, detailed memoir of his year of classroom teaching in 1994. At that time Lofthouse had already had 20 years of experience teaching English and Journalism. He recorded in a journal his experiences from the year 1994 while teaching at the Nogales High School in La Puente, California (L.A. suburb) and brought the year to life in rich detail in Crazy is Normal. Nogales High School is in a poverty stricken urban barrio ruled mainly by gangs. Drop outs and drive-by shootings are both common. He taught a variety of English classes, but his star class was the journalism class which had motivated students and an outstanding editor, Amanda.
The narrative is set up following his year of teaching, week by week, for the entire year. Lofthouse has also included excerpts from studies and articles concerning teaching. There is a youtube video interview with Lofthouse that will show you the passion and concern he has for students. He also explains why an exposé detailing a year of teaching from 1994-95 is still pertinent today: the students and the parents haven't changed. He goes on to make several very passionate points about the state of education today. Since I work in an elementary school I clearly see the need to have students coming in to school with the desire to learn to read - after being read to by parents. But, as most of us know, that is not always the case and impoverished parents mean impoverished children.
While the memoir is certainly worth reading, I'd have to agree with others that a strength and weakness is the way it is presented in weekly segments. At times the daily repetition can be tedious, much as a school year can be, with the same problems with the same students, but it also clearly shows the commitment a teacher must have toward a profession to continue teaching and facing many of the same struggles year after year. The year ends because it's done, not with any great climatic moment. Lofthouse does clearly and successfully capture his frustration, but also his commitment. I enjoyed this memoir and found myself sympathizing with Lofthouse for most of it.
I will admit I was a bit put off and perhaps it was too honest when he admitted he was attracted to one of his students (no action on his part.) I can't quite envision that, although I do know students get crushes on teachers. Currently, I'm in the position where I'm in an elementary school by day and some evenings I work with a group of high school and college kids. I find them funny, lively, cute, sometimes foul-mouthed and annoying, and any number of other things, but never feel any attraction for them. They all are like my "kids." Several years ago when I was the adult supervisor for publishing a newsletter and yearbook with a group of teens I felt the same way. Perhaps it's a male/female thing, but I just can't quite swallow that one. It is just a small part of the whole narrative, however, and doesn't overshadow the totality of the memoir.
After 30 years of teaching Lloyd Lofthouse decided to write a brutally honest, detailed memoir of his year of classroom teaching in 1994. At that time Lofthouse had already had 20 years of experience teaching English and Journalism. He recorded in a journal his experiences from the year 1994 while teaching at the Nogales High School in La Puente, California (L.A. suburb) and brought the year to life in rich detail in Crazy is Normal. Nogales High School is in a poverty stricken urban barrio ruled mainly by gangs. Drop outs and drive-by shootings are both common. He taught a variety of English classes, but his star class was the journalism class which had motivated students and an outstanding editor, Amanda.
The narrative is set up following his year of teaching, week by week, for the entire year. Lofthouse has also included excerpts from studies and articles concerning teaching. There is a youtube video interview with Lofthouse that will show you the passion and concern he has for students. He also explains why an exposé detailing a year of teaching from 1994-95 is still pertinent today: the students and the parents haven't changed. He goes on to make several very passionate points about the state of education today. Since I work in an elementary school I clearly see the need to have students coming in to school with the desire to learn to read - after being read to by parents. But, as most of us know, that is not always the case and impoverished parents mean impoverished children.
While the memoir is certainly worth reading, I'd have to agree with others that a strength and weakness is the way it is presented in weekly segments. At times the daily repetition can be tedious, much as a school year can be, with the same problems with the same students, but it also clearly shows the commitment a teacher must have toward a profession to continue teaching and facing many of the same struggles year after year. The year ends because it's done, not with any great climatic moment. Lofthouse does clearly and successfully capture his frustration, but also his commitment. I enjoyed this memoir and found myself sympathizing with Lofthouse for most of it.
I will admit I was a bit put off and perhaps it was too honest when he admitted he was attracted to one of his students (no action on his part.) I can't quite envision that, although I do know students get crushes on teachers. Currently, I'm in the position where I'm in an elementary school by day and some evenings I work with a group of high school and college kids. I find them funny, lively, cute, sometimes foul-mouthed and annoying, and any number of other things, but never feel any attraction for them. They all are like my "kids." Several years ago when I was the adult supervisor for publishing a newsletter and yearbook with a group of teens I felt the same way. Perhaps it's a male/female thing, but I just can't quite swallow that one. It is just a small part of the whole narrative, however, and doesn't overshadow the totality of the memoir.
November 22, 2014
The author Lloyd Lofthouse has written a powerful memoir that can relate to many people, including myself. He's kept a daily journal which ultimately turned into his memoir. This book was raw and honest, it provides a realistic approach to the education systems and teachers. We need more classroom journals like this particular one. Crazy is Normal is a great way to share the settings of high schools.
Nogales High School is mainly known for vandalism and crime, especially since it's located in a gang community. I can only imagine how difficult it must be trying to teach and educate many kids that are at risk for failure, although, there are some achievers. This novel reminded me a bit of the movie Freedom Writers except it's the teachers journals here. This novel has journal entries, it's not revolved around a set plot or anything similar. The writing is humorous yet passionate.
The author is admirable for providing a realistic novel. It provides a perspective on the education system, which I find fascinating. It does not just focus on solely teaching students, the concept is much more complex than that. I believe all parent's, students, educators, and those who have some interest in educational systems should read this book. It can bring out many emotions, and I really liked the honest journal entries.
It's not meant to entertain anyone. It might seem like preaching, but it is much more than that. Lofthouse doesn't try to be a machoman or a hero, he was straightforward throughout the novel. It is a bit repetitive at times, but it's Lofthouse's life that he faced everyday, so I can't say much about that. It's his true story, and a documentary which I appreciate.
O V E R A L L , I would have liked to seen how the character's life improved later in the future if Llyod Lofthouse had done a follow up with the students. It would have been interesting to see an epilogue.
Crazy is Normal is well written and informative. I would recommend reading this memoir, it's different and special.
*Disclosure: Thank you Virtual Author Book Tours and the author for the review copy.
November 11, 2014
Full review on my blog
"Crazy is normal" is a detailed journal of an academic course, week by week. Lloyd Lofthouse taught English and Journalism and was known for being one of the tough teachers. He worked in a public school and in this book he explains what he did in every class, the assignments the students had to do, the books they were supposed to read in class, the daily work of the school newspaper at Journalism classes, the way he evaluated the students’ work and the problems he had with certain students on a regular basis.
That is exactly the pro and the con of this book: it tells you EVERYTHING regarding school, and it becomes monotonous when he was to remind the rules to the students almost every day; frustrating when he has to send the same students out of the class for bad behavior and doesn’t get anything by phoning their parents, and also exhausting when he arrives at home after more than 10 hours of work only to correct and mark assignments until bedtime. So it’s absolutely different from other memoirs you can read because I think it hasn’t been written to entertain the reader (in fact, I can say most will find it boring), but this routine is the hard truth for a number of teachers day after day, isn’t it? That’s why I liked it. I think Crazy is normal can help me to face the class and the job if the time comes.
I could be talking about this book forever because I have found it fascinating. I have learned a lot and I have borrowed several ideas from Mr. Lofthouse’s classes which can’t be learned at university. However, this is not a book for everybody: you have to be truly interested in the matter because he only talks about teaching and, therefore, the lack of information about the author’s personal life might bore the reader to death.
October 30, 2014
Let me start by saying that I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds. It is well written by a man clearly passionate about the subject. The writing contains humor, objective information, and passion. It is also often negative and opinionated.
I have been a public school English teacher and I am a parent of two children. I agree that it is unfair to hold teachers accountable for student’ lack of work. Many students have backgrounds that make school challenging. Some student’s only eat when school is in session because there is not enough food at home and some come from truly horrific backgrounds that result in school being the least of their worries. That said some teachers are incompetent or lazy and unwilling to work with any student, particularly one who has special needs.
My son is on the autistic spectrum and my daughter is not. BOTH of my children could be considered “difficult” children at times. And I am definitely a difficult parent….I have highly active in my children’s education but I do not always take the teacher’s word for it because I have had teachers who didn’t like my child and made their life difficult. That said, I also expect the highest standards from my children. I found the negativity toward parents to be off-putting. Parents were almost uniformly presented in a negative light which was disappointing. Parents and teachers must work together and support one another…and I come from a family of educators so I know it is possible.
This book is a clear look into the education system with all its foibles, but has the potential to bring many emotions to the surface. Definitely worth the read.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
I have been a public school English teacher and I am a parent of two children. I agree that it is unfair to hold teachers accountable for student’ lack of work. Many students have backgrounds that make school challenging. Some student’s only eat when school is in session because there is not enough food at home and some come from truly horrific backgrounds that result in school being the least of their worries. That said some teachers are incompetent or lazy and unwilling to work with any student, particularly one who has special needs.
My son is on the autistic spectrum and my daughter is not. BOTH of my children could be considered “difficult” children at times. And I am definitely a difficult parent….I have highly active in my children’s education but I do not always take the teacher’s word for it because I have had teachers who didn’t like my child and made their life difficult. That said, I also expect the highest standards from my children. I found the negativity toward parents to be off-putting. Parents were almost uniformly presented in a negative light which was disappointing. Parents and teachers must work together and support one another…and I come from a family of educators so I know it is possible.
This book is a clear look into the education system with all its foibles, but has the potential to bring many emotions to the surface. Definitely worth the read.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
November 10, 2014
From the very start Crazy Is Normal caught my eye just by the title alone. Then I found out that it was a memoir from a teacher, and that sealed the deal. I had been so excited to read it, and was not disappointed. Then to find out that this book won an honorable mention at the ‘Southern California Book Festival’! made me very happy for Lloyd Lofthouse. Congratulations Mr. Lofthouse.
Crazy Is Normal is a great way to describe the setting in his classrooms. From what I remember in high school myself it was hardly normal for the entire class to listen, do their work, and get their homework turned in. The part of his day he loved the most was with his journalism students. He enjoyed that the students were motivated to work, very smart, and made him laugh. This was not like the freshman English students.
Being frustrated with teaching, feeling burnout, and fed up with the administration’s lack of realizing what is going on. These are still common issues in our schools today. If you are a teacher, you will be able to identify with Mr. Lofthouse and respect his passion to teach students the proper way to read and write.
I really enjoyed the fact that Lloyd Lofthouse kept a daily journal for one-full school year. Also that he used this journal as his main source of his memoir as a teacher.
Lofthouse takes his readers to the core of an inner city high school located in Nogales, CA. This is a rough neighborhood with gang members, shootings by drive-by , not to mention poverty that many children had to endure.
I really enjoyed reading Crazy Is Normal, and would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading a memoir, is or was a teacher during their life, or just wants to read a good story.
Crazy Is Normal is a great way to describe the setting in his classrooms. From what I remember in high school myself it was hardly normal for the entire class to listen, do their work, and get their homework turned in. The part of his day he loved the most was with his journalism students. He enjoyed that the students were motivated to work, very smart, and made him laugh. This was not like the freshman English students.
Being frustrated with teaching, feeling burnout, and fed up with the administration’s lack of realizing what is going on. These are still common issues in our schools today. If you are a teacher, you will be able to identify with Mr. Lofthouse and respect his passion to teach students the proper way to read and write.
I really enjoyed the fact that Lloyd Lofthouse kept a daily journal for one-full school year. Also that he used this journal as his main source of his memoir as a teacher.
Lofthouse takes his readers to the core of an inner city high school located in Nogales, CA. This is a rough neighborhood with gang members, shootings by drive-by , not to mention poverty that many children had to endure.
I really enjoyed reading Crazy Is Normal, and would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading a memoir, is or was a teacher during their life, or just wants to read a good story.
November 4, 2014
Crazy is Normal by Lloyd Lofthouse that tells the story of a year in a school in his life as a teacher. He was teaching college prep English and a journalism class that worked on the school newspaper. Mr.Lofthouse kept a detailed journal for this year at Nogales High School in California. We learn his methods of teaching, what he will tolerate and what he won't in class. We the reader are introduced to many students, both the at risk kids and the achievers who will go on to better their lives. Mr.Lofthouse felt that each child has a chance and that they also have to want to take that chance to get out of the neighborhoods they live in and succeed. He was intolerant of kids who mouthed off in class and treated others unkind. Off to detention they would go and their parents would be called. It seems that there were a lot of parents who didn't care or think education was important.
I imagine that it was extremely hard to teach anything at this school, as it was in less than desirable neighborhoods, with the drive by shootings and other crimes that happened in the area, sometimes right on the school grounds. It appeared to me that Mr. Lofthouse was a dedicated teacher who excelled when his students did well, while still trying to encourage those who were at risk. The book as a memoir was well written and gives the reader a sense of who he is, not only a teacher but an established author as well. I have read one of his novels, My Splendid Concubine and I have enjoyed both books. I highly recommend both of these books.
I imagine that it was extremely hard to teach anything at this school, as it was in less than desirable neighborhoods, with the drive by shootings and other crimes that happened in the area, sometimes right on the school grounds. It appeared to me that Mr. Lofthouse was a dedicated teacher who excelled when his students did well, while still trying to encourage those who were at risk. The book as a memoir was well written and gives the reader a sense of who he is, not only a teacher but an established author as well. I have read one of his novels, My Splendid Concubine and I have enjoyed both books. I highly recommend both of these books.
October 31, 2014
An Honest Look at Urban Schools
Throughout the 1994-95 school year Lloyd Lofthouse, a veteran high school English and Journalism teacher teaching in a rough "inner city" type of environment in California, kept a daily journal of his experiences. Finally, he worked them up into this book.
First, I think that I need to tell you that I am a 25 year teacher and I have spent 15 of those 25 years teaching in what some would euphemistically call "urban" schools. I also agree with Lofthouse's comments about so-called education reform and fads in education like the self-esteem movement. For those reasons I found this book to be compelling - I simply flew right through it.
The book is mostly a set of journal entries with the occasional expanded commentary and, rarely, a reference to an article or a study about education. The way the book is set up is its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. The book rolls along day after day just like a real school year does - unrelenting, seemingly unending yet with never enough time. Each class has its own distinct personality, some kids improve but most bad students just remain, sadly, bad students. Quite simply, he nails the day-to-day grind of teaching.
But, the lack of elaboration on...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2014/...
Read all of my reviews of books that have an education theme at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
Throughout the 1994-95 school year Lloyd Lofthouse, a veteran high school English and Journalism teacher teaching in a rough "inner city" type of environment in California, kept a daily journal of his experiences. Finally, he worked them up into this book.
First, I think that I need to tell you that I am a 25 year teacher and I have spent 15 of those 25 years teaching in what some would euphemistically call "urban" schools. I also agree with Lofthouse's comments about so-called education reform and fads in education like the self-esteem movement. For those reasons I found this book to be compelling - I simply flew right through it.
The book is mostly a set of journal entries with the occasional expanded commentary and, rarely, a reference to an article or a study about education. The way the book is set up is its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. The book rolls along day after day just like a real school year does - unrelenting, seemingly unending yet with never enough time. Each class has its own distinct personality, some kids improve but most bad students just remain, sadly, bad students. Quite simply, he nails the day-to-day grind of teaching.
But, the lack of elaboration on...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2014/...
Read all of my reviews of books that have an education theme at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
November 12, 2014
I love reading about personal experiences of people. Lives that are different than mine give me an insight into what it would be like to have been in their shoes or taken a different route in my own life. With my sister just starting out teaching little ones this school year, I was ready to go on the journey that Lloyd Lofthouse was about to take me on. One year of his teaching experience in an inner city school in California was documented by him in a journal. He has now made that journal into this tell all book, and I am thankful and commend him for it.
During this memoir we learn all of his teaching methods and what his class was like. I loved that he shared with the reader his students on both sides of the classroom, the ones that did well and the ones that needed a little bit more of his help and time. As a teacher he really felt that each and every child had the ability to succeed and make something great of themselves. The neighborhood that they came from should not affect this outcome. With all the bad that was going on in the area, Lofthouse made it his mission to better the kids that he taught and give them a bright future. He was dedicated to his cause and there need to be more teachers like him around. I appreciate his willingness to share and to let is in. The author has other books out there that I will now be looking into. Loved it! FIVE stars.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review. All thoughts are my own.
During this memoir we learn all of his teaching methods and what his class was like. I loved that he shared with the reader his students on both sides of the classroom, the ones that did well and the ones that needed a little bit more of his help and time. As a teacher he really felt that each and every child had the ability to succeed and make something great of themselves. The neighborhood that they came from should not affect this outcome. With all the bad that was going on in the area, Lofthouse made it his mission to better the kids that he taught and give them a bright future. He was dedicated to his cause and there need to be more teachers like him around. I appreciate his willingness to share and to let is in. The author has other books out there that I will now be looking into. Loved it! FIVE stars.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review. All thoughts are my own.
November 12, 2014
This was a very interesting book that followed a week-to-week journal of retired schoolteacher Lloyd Lofthouse. I think this gave an extremely realistic view to the way classrooms function and, unfortunately, how often blame is put in the wrong places. Remember: this is from the perspective of someone not far removed from the school system and who had the advantage of a great school district. It’s a shame that more teachers can’t be like Mr. Lofthouse, but pressures by school districts often move them in different directions.
The main reason this book didn’t get 4 stars form me is because I believe this book could have explained more. It ended up as halfway between presenting only facts and halfway to an editorial. The effect was an overview of weekly events with some random commentary interspersed. I felt at times that the commentary to be only marginally relevant or slightly random.
I still think this was very insightful book that may be a rude awakening to some people. I’d highly recommend giving it shot before the next time school system policy revisions comes up.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Virtual Author Book Tours.
Who should read it? People who would be interested in getting a REALISTIC view into schools.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
The main reason this book didn’t get 4 stars form me is because I believe this book could have explained more. It ended up as halfway between presenting only facts and halfway to an editorial. The effect was an overview of weekly events with some random commentary interspersed. I felt at times that the commentary to be only marginally relevant or slightly random.
I still think this was very insightful book that may be a rude awakening to some people. I’d highly recommend giving it shot before the next time school system policy revisions comes up.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of Virtual Author Book Tours.
Who should read it? People who would be interested in getting a REALISTIC view into schools.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
November 14, 2014
Loved "Crazy is Normal" by Lloyd Lofthouse. First, I have to confess that since I'm a teacher I found his personal experiences very relateable. His humor made reading this book so enjoyable and most of the book felt like a conversation. Lofthouse really knows how to explain the plight that teachers face in the classroom. He doesn't try to be the hero but is very straightforward and honest, which I loved! This is a great read for anyone. Anyone that "thinks" they understand the education system, or "thinks" that they know what life is like in the classroom. Lofthouse was brutally honest and very right about some things that sabotage student success.
December 19, 2014
This is a story about a man who decides to become a public school teacher. He writes and tells us some of the issues that a teacher faces everyday. The author feels that literacy is important to everyone and parents must be involved in their child's education. This is a great book for new as well as older teachers to read. It also should be red by parents to help their children. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews