Reviews are starting to pop up on Amazon and Goodreads, and most of them are from teachers, mainly teachers of English. They’re good reviews too, which is a relief!
It seems that there are three main reasons why English teachers are enjoying the book.
First reason: Story - English teachers like a good story.
“Honestly one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!! Fantastic believable characters and a wonderful story creatively handled by a superb story teller. ”
“ I quickly became engrossed in the lives of the characters and its familiar, finely drawn settings’ ”
“I found it hard to put down.”
“ The characters are wonderful; each with their own complexities and a realness that drew me in.”
“I was immediately engaged.”
“ This was a beautifully constructed book.”
“Captivating, thought-provoking, magical.”
Second Reason: Setting - the novel is set in a world that teachers recognise.
“That special rapport between student and teacher is explored with an appreciation of its unique wonder. ”
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and diving into a world that at first seemed so familiar but soon became twisted with elements of fantasy.”
“As a teacher I related so much to Molly from the very beginning, the anxiety dreams before a new class, the excitement alongside the apprehension.”
“The teacher protagonist – Molly McInness – reminds me of the best English teachers …’ ”
“‘ … really captured the magic of class learning and sharing together, as well as the heartbreak of a cherished topic undermined …’ ”
Third Reason:Values - the book seems to touch meaning-laden chords
“Shann’s novel reminded me why I teach.”
“I can’t imagine having anything to read that would be more life-affirming or more in tune with the values that inform our work as educators. ”
“It reminded me what I love about teaching and English and stories. Especially stories.”
“A must for English teachers as they consider their commitments in these difficult teaching times.”
“A story that explores the meaning and the power of education.”
“A book that should be read by any English teacher keen to remember why he or she got into the business of subject English.”
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To read all the reviews in full, click here: http://www.steveshann.com/the-worlds-of-harriet-henderso