McBeth and the Everlasting Gobstopper

by Dave Fogelstrom, Rusty Weaver (Contributor)

McBeth and the Everlasting Gobstopper is a satirical look at teaching Shakespeare to high school students. Using Macbeth as a framing device, the authors move through the play while sharing insights and personal experiences from their time in the classroom. As a lighthearted look at the teaching profession, this book amuses, instructs, and reflects at the same time. A must read for anyone who has ever spent time in the classroom as a teacher, but universal enough to be enjoyed by all those who have ever set foot on a high school campus.

142 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2015

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.scottkpowers.com/

I don’t remember reading William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in high school, but I might if Dave Fogelstrom or Rusty Weaver had been in charge. I will remember reading their collaboration, McBeth and the Everlasting Gobstopper, for two reasons. One, it landed on my summer reading list after a chance encounter with Weaver in the shadow of one of the world’s most dangerous volcanos; a symbolic reminder, perhaps, that reading (and writing for Fogelstrom and Weaver) is a great way to let off a little steam. Second, the book’s super-heated, irreverent tone belies a sincere, soulful introspection that resonated with my own experience as a teacher. Gobstopper made me laugh but it also made me think and reflect and think some more; about the importance of teaching, about the worthy journey of learning, about the teachers I had in high school and what they might think of me today and about my own students and what I would think of them today.

I read Gobstopper shortly before having what Fogelstrom and Weaver call a Blue Heart diamond moment, one of the rare occurrences for teachers when the “fog of the unknown” lifts briefly, allowing a glimpse at the “mature result of our work.” It was a wedding; a moment in which the time between then and now dissolved, an occasion in which a former student’s thoughtful sentiment about the role of this teacher hit home. It was a moment to cherish, fleeting yet indelible. It was also a reminder that teachers breathe a song into the air, having faith that knowledge, wisdom, and the important stuff will go forth and be found again in the heart of a friend. Gobstopper reminded me of my own song, and my Blue Diamond moment revealed one of its resident hearts, which warmed my own. For that alone, it was reading time well spent.

[Jeff Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who has survived a few years in the classroom. Fogelstrom and Weaver share stories and anecdotes gleaned from years of teaching experience. The stories are threaded into a fabric held together with the a description of the stages of teaching Shakespeare's M(a)cBeth. This book should be required reading for new teachers because they tells it like it is. There are several laugh-out-loud moments which I will not spoil for you here. If you are not yet burned out, you will identify with the teacher's point of view in the story. Even if you are you will recognize the students. I think the main message here, despite the trials of trying to get disinterested students engaged while dodging parents and administrators laying obstacles in the way, is that the job of teaching well is worth doing. I smiled all the way through.

[Maris Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, entertaining read---particularly for teachers or anyone who works at a school (middle & high schools specifically). The author has a wry sense of humor and his love of teaching shines through.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute required reading for teachers, coaches and parents of teenagers. so funny, but also full of great wisdom.