To Build a Trail: Essays on Curiosity, Love & Wonder

by Paul J. Willis

When Paul Willis set out to build a couple miles of trail in the wilder parts of his California college campus, he had no idea that it would become a metaphor for a lifetime of teaching and learning. But curiosity, love, and wonder always take circuitous paths toward understanding. That is what he came to believe, and this is what has put him in conflict with present-day promoters of efficiency in education. This collection of essays switchbacks through moments of learning and moments of pain, pausing briefly at trail junctions of gratitude. Put on your boots, pick up a shovel, and join him in making a way.

Genres: Nonfiction

174 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Nancy Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely book to read - I so enjoyed each chapter. I think poets make the best essayists. Although Paul Willis' professorship was after my time (I graduated from Westmont in 1983), it made me wish I had been an English major. I love his humility and honesty and humor, but best of all his fabulous writing.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Especially enjoyed the intro. Paul Willis's prose is as good as his poetry.

[Josh Karaczewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this as a hiker, teacher, father, alumnus of Westmont, and former student of Willis.