A few weekends ago there was a bookfest at a church down the road from me. I convinced my housemates to go with me even though they aren’t big readers. There were so many books, though half of them were rather uninteresting (like the complete history of bathroom cleaning or things like that). I however came away with three good books, one of which was ‘To Sir, With Love’. Most people of my mother’s generation had to read this book in school, I didn’t and after reading it was disappointed that is wasn’t on our English class list. It only took me two days to read it but afterwards it is something I will keep with me for longer.
Mr Braithwaite is a Negro (term from the book) with a good education and skills and yet he is turned away from every job that he applies for. Feeling isolated and resentful to the rest of the British population he finds solitude in a local park. In this park with the help of a stranger, Braithwaite is put on the path of teaching. Through the difference between him and his students, he overcomes his annoyance at society and the students develop into tolerant, well mannered, young adults.
While reading this book I had the feeling I had heard this story somewhere before. After much thinking it finally came to me. Not that long ago I had watched ‘Gangster Paradise’ with Michelle Pfeiffer. The story is a bit different but the theme is the same. Schooling and dedicated teachers provide the life lessons for young people about to enter society.
What I really liked about this book is that although it was written in 1959 and is a simple story it has a strong message. I think young people should read this book and take the morals provided in the story with them into life. It is still as relevant today as it was back in the 1950’s. In the end I felt very appreciative of my education and the teachers that provided it. Without education I wouldn’t be the well adjusted, well read person I am today. Thank-you to the over worked under appreciate teachers. Without you our world would be very different.
8 comments
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September 27, 2006 at 11:32 PM
Rebecca
Another book on similar topics (not so much education as race) is Nathan McCall’s Makes Me Wanna Holler. His memoir.
September 28, 2006 at 12:39 AM
thepocket
It saddens me that after all this time people are still judged by the colour of there skin and today more by the choice of religion. Can’t people look back and see the mistakes made through out history? Seems that we are just going round and round in circles. I will add it to my list. Seems I need to make a blog readers top 100.
October 4, 2006 at 5:10 PM
Harry
I read the book and watched the movie. Both equally impressive and enjoyable. I simple story with a strong message. Nice review.
Harry
October 11, 2006 at 10:10 PM
mayuri
awesome book of the times when when racial discrimination used to happen.
i havent yet seen the movie but after reading the book i feel like even seeing the movie. i still recommend this book to all from the day i finished reading this book.
October 30, 2006 at 11:39 PM
tricky84
I’d just like to do a little nit-picking here:
“when racial discrimination use to happen”
Ok, maybe its just the resident ethnic making mountains, but racial discrimination still does occur, but maybe not to the extent that it has in the past. How many people (this is prolly an Australian example, but I’m sure you’ve got an equivalent wherever you are in the world) have thought “damn Asians” or something similar when they see a ‘Chinese-looking’ person doing something they don’t consider right or whatever. Racial stereotyping continues to occur. To what extent depends on what race you are and where you’re living at the moment. I dont think that many obvious-looking Muslims are having an easy time getting a job in the US at the moment (when I say obvious, I mean ethnic-looking with a beard, or wearing a headscarf).
Again tho, maybe its just the resident ethnic making waves.
Sorry, but it just seems like a slightly naive comment to make
April 9, 2007 at 6:17 PM
ke steele
Truly fascinating and very relevant in 2007. The lessons of dignity and respect for others,not to mention education as being the greatest equalizer,is very timely.
Perhaps a copy should be sent to MSNBC(I-”mess” in the morning) show.
March 8, 2008 at 2:01 AM
kienkon
i was very much impressed by this book. though the narration seems to be flat and lack of conflicts, the story is engaging in its own way and one undeniably cannot refuse to keep on reading.
inspired by this book, i am now researching further on racial and educational issues. hope that can achieve something at the end. smile.
only on question keeps bothering me, did miss blanchard marry sir after all?
April 6, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Rachael Spears
i was very impressed by this book, i usually dont like reading but this one cought my attention and makes me horney