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achilleanshelves's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really enjoyable and insightful read that I feel like every teacher should read before starting their job. It shows how Cohen learned to live with Tourette's as his "companion" and was able to be the great teacher for his students that he needed when he was a child.
curly_cactus's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
marmeelovesbook's review against another edition
5.0
What an informative, inspirational amazing story. Brad Cohen is a role model for us all to emulate- never give up!
elisabeth_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I expected to enjoy this book, having already watched the movie of the same name, but it was interesting to read everything in the author's own words.
jaideey_'s review against another edition
5.0
I really love this book. As someone who suffers from Tourette's Syndrome, it is really refreshing to see someone who can explain the same things that you feel growing up. Brad Cohen is such an inspirational person who has made such a difference in so many lives because of this book. He has made so many people with disabilities remember their worth and to continue to work hard and achieve greatness.
ellap3's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
sophie020's review against another edition
4.5
Mad respect for Brad Cohen.
This biography details his life from early childhood to the begining of his career as a teacher. To be honest the writing style doesn't particularly grip me, but the story he tells, his life, is well worth reading and very insightful.
Cohen uses his experiences with Tourettes as a way to provide acceptance for a new generation of kids who don't necessarily fit sociaties norm. He encourages people to embrace their differences and live unashamed of what sets them apart. This is a hugely important message for our generation, especially the teachers.
Although Cohen's early life, at school in particular, was a lot worse than what most experience, he still maintains a positive outlook throughout the whole biography. He talks honestly about the insecurities and feelings of helplessness that he was familiar with as a child but never once does he use those feelings to reenforce negative ideas about himself or his situation.
I appreciate that even as a "disability success story" as one might call it, Cohen does not focus on becoming like everyone else. He explains that, with Tourettes, he is not like everyone else and that's okay. He can still live a fulfilling life regardless. This is a seriously important approach as so often such stories are focused on becoming "normal" instead of becoming happy and achieving ones dreams. In our society the different and disabled are often seen as little more than liabilities. This reinforces the idea that if one wants to achieve happiness they must be healthy and "normal". Cohen challenges this idea and proves that, disabled or not, we have value and don't have to be cured in order to achieve our dreams and live a happy life.
Cohen uses his Tourettes to educate and promote acceptance for a new generation of kids. He achieved his dream and, according to Google, is still doing a great job so yay him.
This biography details his life from early childhood to the begining of his career as a teacher. To be honest the writing style doesn't particularly grip me, but the story he tells, his life, is well worth reading and very insightful.
Cohen uses his experiences with Tourettes as a way to provide acceptance for a new generation of kids who don't necessarily fit sociaties norm. He encourages people to embrace their differences and live unashamed of what sets them apart. This is a hugely important message for our generation, especially the teachers.
Although Cohen's early life, at school in particular, was a lot worse than what most experience, he still maintains a positive outlook throughout the whole biography. He talks honestly about the insecurities and feelings of helplessness that he was familiar with as a child but never once does he use those feelings to reenforce negative ideas about himself or his situation.
I appreciate that even as a "disability success story" as one might call it, Cohen does not focus on becoming like everyone else. He explains that, with Tourettes, he is not like everyone else and that's okay. He can still live a fulfilling life regardless. This is a seriously important approach as so often such stories are focused on becoming "normal" instead of becoming happy and achieving ones dreams. In our society the different and disabled are often seen as little more than liabilities. This reinforces the idea that if one wants to achieve happiness they must be healthy and "normal". Cohen challenges this idea and proves that, disabled or not, we have value and don't have to be cured in order to achieve our dreams and live a happy life.
Cohen uses his Tourettes to educate and promote acceptance for a new generation of kids. He achieved his dream and, according to Google, is still doing a great job so yay him.
katienavarro's review against another edition
5.0
read this while doing sophomore block, really changed my perspective on a lot of opportunities and teaching methods. in my honest opinion, I think all teachers need to read this book at least once. really shows the impact one great teacher can have on students' lives.