book data
187 ratings,
4.19
average rating, 36 reviews
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published
September 1st 1981
by Doubleday Books
(first published 1981)
details
Hardcover
isbn
0385281358
(isbn13: 9780385281355)
description
It was a simple incident in the life of James Clavell -- a talk with his young daughter just home from school -- that inspired this chilling tale of w…more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 264)
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avg 4.19
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
In a conquered U.S., a classroom of young kids is given a new teacher who, in less than an hour, brainwashes them and makes them evil little communists! Or something. I know I’m supposed to find this book “chilling,” but I didn’t really buy it. Though Communism is never explicitly stated to be the Big Bad, this book has the Cold War era in which it was written stamped all over it. Clavell’s New Teacher gets the students to quickly dismiss such symbols as the Pledge of Allegiance and th...more
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I read this when i was in high school. I was amazed on how great insight James had on children. It's a must read for ALL parents, teachers as well.
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Read in March, 2009
I would put this book in the genre of Anti-communist lit, with that said it is one of of my favorite books in that genre. I thought I see the point of anti-communist lit, I don't normally like this genre, and only read it when I'm assigned. I thought this book was excellent at making me think. I would recommend this book to everyone. I like the book because it doesn't give you specifics of a closed society, it just presented a way that the apathy of our Nation could give way quickly and easily...more
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Read in March, 1981
This is a cautionary tale - a deceptively simple story about young students coming to school one day and finding their teacher gone, replaced by a young woman they don't want to like. But within half an hour she's won them over. Much to our dismay. Written during the Cold War, the story implies a communist takeover. This may not hold up with many of today's readers. I think it had more of an impact on me than it might have otherwise because I was a teacher at the time. Beyond any political d...more
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Read in March, 2008
I was disappointed in this book. It made me think, but I didn't experience the cultural awakening that many other reviewers of this book had. I understand the moral (Don't trust the man ... I mean don't trust authority), but I wish the novel would have been longer so the effects of learning without thinking could have been explored.
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Be prepared to be blown away. This should be mandatory reading for all teachers. Brilliance. Not just for children by a long shot.
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Owns a copy
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Read in November, 1999
I was probably too young when I read this, but until I get a chance to re-read, my judgment for it stands as: suck.
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my grandfather, a retired english teacher, recomended this to me. it was awesome, and taught a lesson...
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I read this book 16 years ago and still remember it vividly- will definitely makes you think!
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It is very short an easy read and it makes you think. good for children to read.
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the best book about patriotism written. i've given away twenty plus copies
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This book should be read once a year...it only takes about an hour!
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Read in January, 1990
recommended to Lee Anne by:
marlenerecommends it for: all liberals
December 2008: sound familiar, AmeriKa?
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One of my teachers in high school read this book to the class on the last day of school--kindergarten style with us all sitting around her on the floor. It left an impression on me, and I now own the book. You can read the whole thing in a half hour, but you will be blown away! I won't spoil it, but suffice it to say you will make you very attentive to the influences in your own childrens' lives.
Read in January, 1997
This is a perfect example of the term 'economy of words'--- through a simple two-paragraphs-a-page children's book format, author James Clavell challenges us to participate actively in the exchange of information, to always ask questions, and to never take the 'truth' for granted.
Once the paranoia's subsided, you'll be glad you read this.
Once the paranoia's subsided, you'll be glad you read this.
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Read in January, 2005
This little book really packs a punch. I've never thought of the Pledge of Allegiance in the same way since reading it. It will only take about 10 minutes to read, but it's message about the dangers of apathy and ignorance are sure to linger with you for hours and days (and maybe, like in my case, for years!).
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This story is disturbing in a way that stays with you. James Clavell sat down and wrote this story quickly after his daughter came home one day, recited part of the Pledge of Allegiance, and then couldn't answer when he asked her to explain some of the words.
A thought-provoking story.
A thought-provoking story.
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Read in August, 2008
Simple, to the point and still profound. It's a great book because it causes one to truly consider what truly motivates our words and actions. And, perhaps even more importantly, how those words, actions and motivations are interpreted by children. Highly thought provoking.
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