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In The Basement Of The Ivory Tower: Confessions Of An Accidental Academic (2011)

by Professor X.(Favorite Author)

3.18 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

067002256X (ISBN13: 9780670022564)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Viking Adult

review 1: I was somewhat disappointed in this book. When reading Professor X's account of his experiences as an Adjunct, one must remember that his perspective is that of someone who is teaching adult learners who are seeking credentials, rather than the typical undergraduate. Although he outlines the demographics of his students, I think that someone who is not familiar with higher education can get caught up in the rhetoric that paints the typical undergraduate as not prepared for basic writing and literature classes.Professor X's commentary and observations are best suited for a long-form magazine article than a full length book.
review 2: This book was depressing for the most part. The author, a somewhat burnt-out college professor, teaches college writing to stu... moredents at a community college and a private college. He took the job to supplement his family income after they bought into the dream of a house in the suburbs. It was also an outlet from his day job, toiling away in the machinations of the public sector as a government worker, filling purchase orders and the like. The author says that today's society, like the home-and-picket fence previously, has been sold the dream of education for all. He suggests that college might not be for everyone. What was most shocking about this book is even though the institutions are very different, both student bodies are not prepared to do the work. That they do not read for pleasure is unfortunate. We hear a lot about how public education is disintegrating, but I was largely skeptical until I read this book(though I remain skeptical). I could relate to this having been an adjunct professor, and I agree with him that there are rewards in teaching to keep you motivated. The central question, which remains up to the reader to consider - is: Does the emergency room nurse provide greater care and comfort if she's read Molly Bloom's solliloquy? less

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