Lessons on Aging, Teaching, and Being an Example for Others

This week I am taking some time to review a few books that have made impressions on me as an educator, a husband, a parent, and an aging baby boomer. The four books I will look at are not ones that saw the top of the best seller lists as far as I know. But they are four of my favorites, texts that provide inspiration and lessons that are truly timeless.

On Tuesday we take a look at Donald Murray’s “My Twice Lived Life“. The book is a must read for everyone, especially those who find themselves in their early golden years. Murray is generally credited with developing the current process used to teach writing (the writer’s workshop approach) to students of every age level. The former University of New Hampshire professor was also a prolific writer, authoring a column on aging for the Boston Globe for years.

On Wednesday we take a look at child advocate Marian Wright Edelman’s outstanding book, “The Measure of Our Success - A Letter to My Children and Yours“. The book features her 25 life lessons. It is a book I turn to again and again. It is also a must purchase for your son or daughter when they are about to marry and begin a family.

On Thursday we take a look at Michael Johnson’s “In the Deep Heart’s Core”. Johnson captures his experience in the “Teach for America” program, chronicling in detail his efforts in the Deep South. The book is a must read for anyone who actually believes that the fundamental goal of NCLB, the idea of 100% proficiency, is possible. No matter what definition is used for proficiency, Johnson’s book details why the goal is about as realistic as a goal of becoming 100% crime free as a society.

On Friday we take a peek at the book “Chasing Daylight”. When accounting executive Eugene O’Kelley learns he has but a few weeks to live, he sees the news as a blessing. After all, how many people know when their time on earth will actually come to an end? It is an extraordinary book by a man who refuses to pity himself despite being dealt the greatest challenge anyone can imagine.