This volume chronicles the life and work of the dynamic and controversial Michelle Rhee--from her first teaching job in a West Baltimore classroom ...
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reviews
Jul 29, 2011
Terry
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This book is a giant, wet, sloppy tongue-kiss of Michelle Rhee. And not in a good way.
My jaw dropped three times just during the Preface and Acknowledgements. First, Whitmire insists that race is NOT an issue in Washington, D.C. schools, and in fact, it's actually RACIST to say it is, since Rhee is Korean (I know--huh?). Whitmire actually says later in the book that Rhee can't be racist since SOME OF HER BEST FRIENDS ARE AFRICAN-AMERICANS. Oy. Second, Whitmire spends an entire parag More...
My jaw dropped three times just during the Preface and Acknowledgements. First, Whitmire insists that race is NOT an issue in Washington, D.C. schools, and in fact, it's actually RACIST to say it is, since Rhee is Korean (I know--huh?). Whitmire actually says later in the book that Rhee can't be racist since SOME OF HER BEST FRIENDS ARE AFRICAN-AMERICANS. Oy. Second, Whitmire spends an entire parag More...
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Jun 10, 2011
JoAnn/QuAppelle
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It was difficult to rate this book because I initially felt that there were three elements I needed to assess:
1- the information in the book
2- the writing
3- Michelle Rhee
Then I realized that how I feel about Rhee should have nothing to do with my rating of this book. (But I totally approved of what she did and wanted to do. Her methods were sometimes not as polished as they could have been, but she was very sure of herself and what needed to be done just to make these sc More...
1- the information in the book
2- the writing
3- Michelle Rhee
Then I realized that how I feel about Rhee should have nothing to do with my rating of this book. (But I totally approved of what she did and wanted to do. Her methods were sometimes not as polished as they could have been, but she was very sure of herself and what needed to be done just to make these sc More...
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Aug 23, 2011
Laura
rated it: 
After seeing Waiting for Superman I had an interest in learning more about Michelle Rhee, the apparently ultra-controversial educational reformer and superstar of DC. It wasn't until I was at the Global Leadership Summit and saw her speak that I was compelled to buy this book. After sitting and reading it in just the course of a couple of hours, I have mixed feelings. However, I can't rate this book on Rhee, but rather on the quality of the text.
Obviously the author shows an extre More...
Obviously the author shows an extre More...
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Jan 03, 2012
Jaclyn
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I read this book for a few reasons. First, I’m insanely curious about Rhee. I actively seek out articles about her or interviews with her and followed her movement as DC schools chancellor closely. Coming from a family of educators, I find her to be a fascinating public figure. The second reason I wanted to read this book is that despite my interest in Rhee, I still didn’t feel knowledgeable enough about her—or her policies—to make a judgment call on the work she did during her term as chancello
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Jun 27, 2011
Julia
rated it:
If you liked Waiting for Superman and want a little more information about the day-to-day of school reform, this biography on Michelle Rhee's tenure as DC chancellor is an excellent start.
This book covers all the bases starting with Rhee's childhood and ending with what comes next for her. I think the book did a nice job of wrapping things up. Although Rhee had the right idea, the reader can see that her approach, which was often insensitive, was lacking. It's hard to argue with her More...
This book covers all the bases starting with Rhee's childhood and ending with what comes next for her. I think the book did a nice job of wrapping things up. Although Rhee had the right idea, the reader can see that her approach, which was often insensitive, was lacking. It's hard to argue with her More...
May 24, 2011
Marialyce
rated it:
Interesting, scary and eye opening are some of the adjectives I would use to describe this book. Written about the former chancellor of the DC schools, it makes one aware of the dire straights these schools were in before Michelle Rhee took over. Ms Rhee went in there like gang busters and aggravated teachers, administrators, parents, and stirred up the racial/political game. Tough and determined to put the kids first, she ruffled many feathers in order to achieve what she wanted, that of better
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Mar 07, 2011
Elaine
rated it:
It's evident that Whitmire is a Rhee supporter, perhaps even a fanatic. However, he states his bias and attempts to illustrate her failures as well as her successes. It was important for me to read something with that skew, as I am an avid Rhee hater. After reading this, my hatred of her has not fanned, but I do understand more her motivations behind her policies, and understand how her upbringing and background are significant factors to her aggression.
Whitmire's prose is easy to rea More...
Whitmire's prose is easy to rea More...
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Jun 28, 2011
Darin
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Whitmire gets an excellent result at a different task--portraying someone who doesn't have a whole lot of time or interest being portrayed. Michelle Rhee is who she says she is--someone who puts kids first. This means, of course, that everyone and everything else comes in a distant second. Whitmire does a masterful job showing that this is both a blessing and a curse.
It's a blessing since, really, that's what we want out of our educators. We see how all of her experiences in and out More...
It's a blessing since, really, that's what we want out of our educators. We see how all of her experiences in and out More...
Aug 06, 2011
Katy
rated it: 
Interesting read but it was extremely biased toward Whitmire's problematic (IMO) thesis.
Update: In thinking about it...obviously the point of writing a nonfiction book is to support your thesis :) I think what I meant was that I find his thesis problematic (mostly the way it seemed he was arguing that somehow the African American parents in D.C. were too uninformed to realize that Rhee was right all along...that they didn't know what they wanted) and that on numerous occasions he More...
Update: In thinking about it...obviously the point of writing a nonfiction book is to support your thesis :) I think what I meant was that I find his thesis problematic (mostly the way it seemed he was arguing that somehow the African American parents in D.C. were too uninformed to realize that Rhee was right all along...that they didn't know what they wanted) and that on numerous occasions he More...
May 15, 2011
Charlotte
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Whitmire, clearly an acolyte of Michelle attempts the first draft on the tumultuous 4 years of school reform under Michelle Rhee. His book succeeds at exploring the underlying politics affecting the Fenty/Rhee reforms and in some respects the urgency that instigated their sometimes radical attempts. However the Bee Eater leaves one frustrated in trying to understand what it will take to get reform in DC, maybe that is DC's problem it does not really want it. As a person that has children in D
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Apr 04, 2011
Anthony
rated it:
I was a fan of Michelle Rhee's from GO! I thought of applying in her district. I applaud the work she did there and found this book a very good read. A good overview of what she tried to accomplish and I think a reasonable treatment of the positives and negatives of her tenure. If you want a good view of what could be the most important issue in reforming public education - human capital management - read on. BTW.. I found the title to be of little importance. I think the author wanted
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Aug 16, 2011
Chris
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The story of a lady, who one day walked into a low performing class and got their attention by doing something unexpected, is anything short of being an amazing story of how she went against the grain and did what needed to be done, all for the sake of the children.
Michelle Rhee is the type of person that this world needs more of. The change agents that come in and make change happen, whether people like it or not. The only thing is that most of the attention that is created came from More...
Michelle Rhee is the type of person that this world needs more of. The change agents that come in and make change happen, whether people like it or not. The only thing is that most of the attention that is created came from More...
Aug 02, 2011
RYCJ
rated it:
The Message: Children deemed incorrigible can be taught!
On a humanitarian level The Bee Eater is quite compelling. One part I found distracting however, and that were the citations about the 'parents' reportedly 'in mass' disagreement over the teacher-firings. Inciting and citing `unsuspecting' gullible families blamed for the failing conditions of schools as one of the primary sources of opposition really was hard to read.
So, of course I jumped on Michelle Rhee's bandwagon More...
On a humanitarian level The Bee Eater is quite compelling. One part I found distracting however, and that were the citations about the 'parents' reportedly 'in mass' disagreement over the teacher-firings. Inciting and citing `unsuspecting' gullible families blamed for the failing conditions of schools as one of the primary sources of opposition really was hard to read.
So, of course I jumped on Michelle Rhee's bandwagon More...
Oct 05, 2011
Bigmg
rated it:
What Would You Be Willing To Do?
What would you be willing to do if things were so out of control that nobody dared do anything?
What a tragedy it is that this book was even made possible in the wealthiest country on the planet. Having attended the second worst school district, Los Angeles (70's), everything in this book hit home. It is unbelievable that such low standards are maintained by the very people who claim to be fighting for the students, namely, the Teachers Union, Pol More...
What would you be willing to do if things were so out of control that nobody dared do anything?
What a tragedy it is that this book was even made possible in the wealthiest country on the planet. Having attended the second worst school district, Los Angeles (70's), everything in this book hit home. It is unbelievable that such low standards are maintained by the very people who claim to be fighting for the students, namely, the Teachers Union, Pol More...
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Jun 14, 2011
Jeff
rated it:
Michelle Rhee is probably one of the most polarizing figures in American education currently, and is polarizing almost entirely due to her battles with the DC educational establishment toward the end of the last decade. This book, which is pretty positive toward Rhee on a whole, tries to explain how she got to that point, and how the DC battles occurred.
The book tries very hard to be even-handed, often to a fault. That might be the only flaw in what is otherwise a fairly well-writt More...
The book tries very hard to be even-handed, often to a fault. That might be the only flaw in what is otherwise a fairly well-writt More...
Jul 27, 2011
Amy
rated it:
Although I learned alot more about the drastic measures that Rhee took to try to help a district I still have tons of questions. I would really love to read a book that she actually writes instead of someone putting together interview pieces and accounts of information. I think that there is so much more to most of the situations and stories that seem to just be skimmed on in this story.
Oct 30, 2011
Geo
rated it:
a little plodding at times but the overall message was pretty interesting to someone who did not know the story of Michelle Rhee. But it also makes a person wonder if the education system will ever get fixed with too many self-centered people with too much influence. Too many folks putting "me" first. and that isn't just in the education system
Sep 04, 2011
Stephanie
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This book explores a topic which I know very little about - education reform, and in particular the failing D.C. public schools. Very well written and a balanced view of a controversial figure. I admire the tenacity and passion which Michelle Rhee brought to her work and I hope her legacy lives on.
Feb 01, 2012
Kristy
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The book was poorly written by a reporter, but I would give Michelle Rhee 5 stars for standing up for the kids against the establishment of the D.C. school system. Her take away message was that these schools are failing the students because the teachers are not doing their job, and her extraordinary results in just 3 years proved it. It is a shame the media and the parents/voters didn't recognize a good thing when they had her.
Jan 12, 2012
Robby
rated it:
Quick read. Very one-side and pro-Rhee (though I'd count myself as a supporter). There are a few criticisms of her but the overwhelming narrative is positive. However, if your looking for a quick overview of DCPS or Michelle Rhee this book isn't a bad place to start.
Aug 15, 2011
Ongoing Debacle
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A compelling read about education reform, and the leadership needed to reverse decades of decline in an organizational structure. Balancing radical reforms with a dose of strategic game theory though, becomes fatal to the reformer.
Aug 19, 2011
Meg
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I loved this book. The author is definately a Michelle Rhea fan, but also discusses her mistakes and flaws. The story of the title for the book is wonderful. If you are an educator you will enjoy this book. The books goes well with Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mom.
Sep 03, 2011
Kar
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This is a compelling story of how one woman's vision can transform a school system. Hopefully the D.C. schools will continue on the path she blazed.
Jul 02, 2011
Michele
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Great, interesting, and easy to read unauthorized biography that I felt did a good job being objective about Rhee. Inspiring story...mostly about her takeover and beginning to turn around DCPS.
Mar 26, 2011
Matt
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It was interesting to dig into the Rhee experience in DC -- even though I closely followed the entirety of her tenure, I learned a good deal of new information. The book left me with a lot of questions, and I don't know if it was able to capture the whole story, but it's a valuable addition to the story of current ed reform.
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Feb 22, 2012
Amanda
rated it:
Awesome book. I heard Michelle speak as part of the Global Leadership Summit, and was impressed. This book is worth the read.
Jan 02, 2012
Kathie
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Confirms what we already know to be true about teachers' unions and tenure.
Sep 23, 2011
Ms. Jin
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I got to know a little more about Michelle Rhee's background and her motivation behind becoming a superintendent for Washington D.C School District, one of the worst in the nation.
Lot of politics behind.
Lot of politics behind.
