Santander: Rambling on Borrowed Time

by David Ellison

What if you should have died before you were even born? What if, since you knew you were living on borrowed time, you’d lived, taught, traveled and wondered outrageously? Why, sixty years later you’d have one hell of a good story! A unique memoir/travelogue/reflection-on-life, Santander features poignant short stories that, like pieces of a puzzle, create a captivating whole exploring themes of personal growth, adventure, justice, wonder, disillusionment, and ultimately gratitude. Although Santander recounts a teacher’s wild exploits and perceptive musings, it appeals to anyone who has raised or taught children, who’s traveled the world of countries and ideas (or who’d like to live vicariously through someone who has); anyone who’s struggled to find compassion for oneself and others; who, in the words of Robert Frost, “had a lover’s quarrel with the world” and tried to make a difference. Santander pays homage to living an authentic life. From Santander: “Terrified, I finally realized the federal agents answered to no one and could do with me whatever they pleased. I thought of the death squads who had “disappeared” so many others into the Central American jungle.” “I was filled with awe and gratitude, but with sadness, too…the constant companions, it seems to me, of anyone who dares to travel with an open mind and heart through the world, through history, and through life.” “Children all have that same amazing power over me—not only to make me laugh, but to make me believe in myself, in them, and in life.”

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2020

Reviews

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give David Ellison a lot of credit after reading his book Santander rambling on borrowed time. I have never seen a teacher more dedicated than him. And the places he went “on vacation” were crazy !!!

Santander rambling on borrowed time is separated into three sections. The first section Rambling About Life was my favorite because readers get to know David personally. My favorite chapter was the one titled Rainbow Lining…..it reminded me of the struggle the son of a friend of mine had when he came out in college. I was instantly sent back to the day his mother told me and all the emotions I experienced for him. I was very proud of him for finally admitting his true self but I was also concerned for the struggle he was going to have to face. I commend David for putting that chapter in this book.

The second section in this book is Rambling About Schools where David talks about his different positions he held in the school system and some stories during that time. He talks about the struggles he had in certain schools and some of the problematic students that he couldn’t forget.

The third section, Rambling About the World, was probably the hardest to read because of the places that he visited and the things he experienced. I know “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” but David takes that saying to heart !! I don’t think there are a lot of people that would have done the things he did and that is inspiring.

Santander rambling on borrowed time is a eye opening book to read, especially if you are a teacher. Readers will never look at a teacher the same way after reading this book. It gives everyone a behind the scenes look at a teacher and the ups and downs they may tackle trying to educate students, especially the less fortunate ones.

I was very moved during and after reading this book and am definitely going to recommend it to my friends who are teachers……oh who am I kidding, I’m going to recommend it to all of my friends.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santander is a memoir written about the author’s astonishing life as a gay teacher. He is 36 and has been a mentor, school admin, columnist and has had other important roles. His autobiography comprises his educational background, life experience, schools and the world. His views are from his life understanding and perspective. The book talks about his political and historical interpretations and raises many important issues that should be talked about today.

I particularly enjoyed his view and treatments as a teacher. His ramblings, as he puts it, weren’t many ramblings per se. They were genuine encounters and experiences that were relatable and should be the subject of discussion today.

The literature was easy to read and to understand. His book is segmented into three sections and was very organized. Some humorous parts did lighten up the book as well as provide a not so gloomy life.

I also really liked the cover design for the book. The author demonstrates a beautiful life, aside from all the ups and downs he has experienced.
I would recommend this book to people who like to read biographies and memoirs.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel musings

I enjoyed the author’s style—beautifully written, descriptive and thoughtful, self-searching and outer discovery at the same time. I thought he handled his anguish (about coming out as homosexual) very tenderly and honestly. Fascinating stories about the poor in Mexico and other places. Places I had never heard of! Thank you Dave Ellison

[Michael Harrity · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to savor over and over.

This is one of those books that’s best read and contemplated a chapter at a time. Yes, you may feel your life has not had the meaning for yourself and others that the authors has, but the lessons are none the less valuable. The lesson I learned most? Be a good person and give yourself a break when you don’t feel you have measured up. We can all use more of that.

[Ray Rogawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Adventure

This book could become a great movie. A great tool for making me think and probably would for other younger students .

[Wayne Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

During his thirty-six-year career, author David Ellison was a teacher, mentor teacher, school administrator, education columnist, and community activist. Santander is a book of autobiographical essays, some taken from Ellison’s education column. His “ramblings,” like Caesar’s Gaul, are divided into three parts—life, schools, and the world. Not everyone will agree with all his views on politics or his interpretations of history, but the issues that he raises in these areas are important points to consider and discuss. Ellison’s observations about education, based on his experiences as a teacher, are especially interesting and enlightening.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first stories were funny but it quickly got very very very boring