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So begins the school year for several teachers, old and new, the principal, his vice principal, the janitor, and others at Texas's Baldwin High School. This book explores the lives of these teachers, their frustrations, disappointments, griefs, humorous mishaps...and their love of teaching. It also highlights the current state of public education and the idiocy that often occurs within it. There's a scandal or two, snarky emails, clashes with parents, and even an unexpected romance.
The Faculty Lounge is a novel of friendship and found family. And it's very entertaining. My dad taught junior high school for over 30 years, and I work at an elementary school, so I found this book both funny and realistic. There are moments in it that made me laugh out loud, and other moments that made me want to weep and shake my head in sympathy. I liked all the characters and how Mathieu weaves their individual stories together. Each chapter is told from a different POV, but it comes together so well! For me, this was a 4.5/5 star read.
Happy Reading!
Sounds so good. Happy Friday friend. I hope your day is full of hope, joy and love.
ReplyDeletersrue.blogspot.com
Thank you, Regine! :D
DeleteI think I would love this too. I don't see a lot of books set in schools and focusing on faculty😁
ReplyDeleteThat's what made this one so fun. Seeing high school life through the teacher's and principal's eyes.
DeleteI was curious what part of Texas the high school in the story was located. Did a little research and it's Houston. Will definitely keep this one in mind.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it, but then I think my background in education made it even more authentic and funny.
DeleteThis sounds so good! That snippet of how it begins really pulled me in! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a great opening! The rest of the book is equally good.
DeleteIt's a unique perspective because most novels set in high school are usually young adult and the focus is on the teens. But here the focus is on the faculty and what their jobs involve, how they get along what their lives are like outside of school. Its an important story.
ReplyDeleteMostly it's just funny. And a little sad, too, with how hard it is to be a teacher.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun read! I can see it being a great fit for someone who works in a school.
ReplyDeleteI really liked it!
DeleteThis sounds like so much fun - especially as a teacher and a Texas native! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteI did. It surprised me a little, in a good way, which is always nice.
DeleteThis book was the 2025 Gulf Coast Reads selection, but we read and discussed it in December and I never got around to it. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Apparently the author worked in a Texas school.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell. It felt very true to what it's like to be a teacher and to deal with admin, and parents, and whiny kids, and unreal expectations.
DeleteThis sounds like a lot of fun! I will check my library. As Deb mentions, might be a good book group book (my group seems a bit anxious about reading my March choice, The Count of Monte Cristo, because it is very long.
ReplyDeleteOH, that's a book I've always wanted to read. But you're right, it is a little long. ;D
DeleteThis sounds really entertaining! Great Review!
ReplyDeleteThanks. All I can seem to write lately are short reviews, so I'm glad they aren't terrible. ;D
DeleteWhat a great premise. I will have to look for it. I love anything found family connected and this sounds like a good great.
ReplyDeleteSo many great characters in this one! And lots of humor, too.
DeleteWell, it definitely sounds unique!! Great review!!
ReplyDeleteIt is unique. I think that's what I liked about it the most.
DeleteI'm glad you liked it.
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteHa, ha! That was a great opening line. Sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one. Especially if you've had any background with teaching or with teachers and their stories.
DeleteFascinating introduction. I’d like to read the book based on the intro alone.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it good? The rest of the book is equally entertaining and well-written.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun one! I'll look it up! :)
ReplyDeleteI really liked it. :D
DeleteThis sounds like a good one, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI did. It was nice to read something a little different for a change. :D
DeleteMy older daughter works at an elementary school and the tales she has to tell would fill a series of books like this. I must remember to tell her about this. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteShe'll relate to a lot of what happens in this one for sure.
DeleteLike the cover ... spilt coffee in the faculty lounge. Sounds like a bit of fun.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it!
DeleteEvery chapter a different pov? That does sound interesting
ReplyDeleteYou get to know each character so well, and at the same time the story weaves together beautifully.
DeleteAs a former teacher, this one is going on my list!
ReplyDeleteYou gotta check it out. There are moments that will make you roll your eyes and laugh at the same time.
DeleteThis does sound delightful! My mom taught school for 50 years and had all kinds of crazy stories :)
ReplyDeleteBoth my parents taught school and the behind-the-scenes stories they would tell! Made me really relate to the teachers in this book. :D
DeleteJust picked this up from the library today! Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteConstance
Happy reading! :D
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