Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had

by Brad Cohen

As a child with Tourette's, Brad was ridiculed, beaten, mocked, and shunned. This story of unwavering determination proves anyone can make their dreams come true. Ends with 20+ motivational tips on living with a disability.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Education, Teaching, Biography Memoir, Disability

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2005

About the author

Lisa Wysocky is a former entertainment publicist who was recently chosen as one of the top riding instructors in the nation. A motivational speaker and equine clinician, she can be reached at www.LisaWysocky.com."

Reviews

[Evoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Cohen, born in 1973, is an American teacher, school administrator and author who has severe Tourette Syndrome. During his childhood, he was accused of being a troublemaker in school and was frequently punished by his teacher for his tics and noises caused by the Tourette Syndrome, which was an ignored issue at that time. Therefore, one day, Brad Cohen himself decided to "become the teacher that he never had" as a kid, and educate children not only in a professional, but also in a kind and understanding manner. After he graduated and received his teaching certificate, 24 elementary schools rejected him before he was hired in Georgia. Even despite being a new teacher, Cohen managed to earn the title "Georgia's First Class Teacher of the Year".

This book that was published in 2005 describes his experiences growing up with the condition of Tourette Syndrome and becoming the teacher who changed minds. "Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made me the Teacher I Never Had" even won the independent Publisher Book Award for Best Education Book for that year. Additionally, the book was turned into a movie at a later point in time!

This is definitely an important read that gives insight into what it is like to live and struggle with the Tourette Syndrome during everyday activities. Brad Cohen manages to awaken empathy and understanding. Some passages where he describes how he himself was discriminated are painful to read and it is absolutely clear that no child should ever have to face what Brad Cohen did. His ability to remain positive and optimistic despite obstacles is fascinating. Brad Cohen teaches us that, despite having disabilities, we are worthy of a bright and fulfilling future as well as giving up shall not be an option. As he himself phrases it: "It is okay to be different." One shall just keep knocking when a door doesn't open immediately!

What a heartwarming and empowering read that is definitely accessible to many people due to the fairly simple language!

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for every teacher, not specifically because of the tourette syndrome ties but simply because each and every teacher needs to work with each child regardless of capabilities or disabilities. Brad Cohen was a victim of numerous humiliations and banishments because of tourette syndrome... many of these humiliations at the hands of his own teachers. As the title indicates, he decided early on in his life that he would become a teacher, "the teacher he never had." A wonderful true story of self-empowerment. We all would do well to learn from his experiences and learn to accept everyone on their own terms without threat of humiliation or non-acceptance!

[Jared Millet · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone with Tourette syndrome myself, I periodically dip into the literature. Front of the Class isn't about Tourette's in general, but one person's experience of it. Brad Cohen is a fantastic advocate for those of us with this particular ailment, and for those of you without, his biography should give a lot of insight into what it's like to grow up, go to college, and get a job while dealing with uncontrollable tics. It's also a great motivational book - Cohen's obstacles in life were a lot worse than those of many others, yet now he's a successful teacher and speaker. The book does feel a little self-congratulatory toward the end, but most of the way through the two words that kept popping into the back of my mind were "Amen, brother."

[Eulalio Arcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book last week. I am a teacher and this book has empowered my desire to reach to these kids with learning disabilities who need a teacher that makes a difference in their lives.
This is the second book I read about Tourette Syndrome, the other one was AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE- Both book depict how sad it has been for those kids to deal with their disease, their family and even worse with classmates or teachers who make their lives even more miserable.

I am almost finishing and I have a feeling triumph, a sarcastic smile in my face that he made it.... he showed everybody he was Brad Cohen and despite his syndrome HE STILL WAS BRAD COHEN.

I cant hold my tears after some parts of the book that are touching and inspiring. I am so glad I have come across such a fantastic book, a book that changes a teacher`s life.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

An encouraging book-- since I'm a mom of a kid with Tourette's. Brad was way more affected than our family is, yet he was able to overcome the disadvantages to become successful.

[Chaitanya Sethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book which I would actively recommend everyone to read. Brad Cohen was born with Tourette, at a time when awareness was dismal. The book chronicles his journey of dealing with it and of him becoming a teacher, so as to be the kind of guiding force that he didn't get during his schooling.

The language of the book is fairly simply, I suspect it is deliberately done so as to ensure access to as many as possible. Brad is able to evoke empathy and understanding over and over, and some of the instances of him being discriminated are painful to read - no child should ever have to face something like that. His attitude is really remarkable and for him to be able to hold on to positivity is incredible. As he himself puts it best, "It is okay to be different." And it's heartwarming to know that he gets to shape so many lives as a kind and understanding teacher himself. Kudos!

[SWZIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brad Cohen, author of ‘Front of the class, is certainly an inspiration to everyone. Brad sounds like a remarkable man; he could be a beacon of hope and a positive role model for fellow suffers of Tourette Syndrome. Against all odds, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a teacher, and his determination may influence others who are disadvantaged, not to see their handicap as an obstacle to their life’s ambitions.

The ignorance surrounding Tourette Syndrome must have made Brad’s life almost intolerable. He was ejected from cinemas, theatres and restaurants, which must have made him feel excruciatingly embarrassed. In school, his involuntary movements and vocal tics were misinterpreted as being deliberately disruptive. He was bullied, mocked, ridiculed and shunned by his peers. Although Brad couldn’t control the loud noises he made, because he had no power over them, his teachers believed he was purposely misbehaving - so, for this reason, this book is very informative for anyone who comes into contact with sufferers of Tourettes. The subtitle ‘How Tourette Syndrome made me the teacher I never had’ is so apt. The book is definitely a ‘must read’ for teachers, because teachers have very little training about conditions like Tourettes. Brad tells of his struggle with living with the neurological disorder and his coping mechanisms.

Even after qualifying as a teacher, Brad faced even more problems when looking for a job. Attending interviews is stressful for anyone, but it was more so for Brad, because stress exacerbated his condition. So in the middle of one of the most important events in his life, Brad would be shouting out ‘Ja! Ja! Ja!, or WOOP! It took 24 job interviews for him to finally fulfil his ambition. He then went on to win a teacher of the year award in the state of Georgia, which must have been beyond his wildest dreams.

The only critical point I would like to make is that I found the book repetitive. Whenever Brad met someone new, he enlightened them about his condition; explaining that it was a neurological condition that affected the brain and nervous system, and is characterised by involuntary noises and movements called tics, which he couldn’t control. He would finish by inviting anyone to ask questions, which, he said, he would be happy to answer. It became Brad’s mantra. It did grind on me a bit, but I suppose it consolidated the symptoms of Tourettes in the minds of the readers.

Brad’s book is not a story of self-pity. In fact it told more about his strength of character. Most people in his position would have given up and would have suffered from low-self-esteem, but I think Tourettes made Brad stronger. I think this is why I couldn’t feel Brad’s pain. He didn’t write with emotion. I could only assume what he must have felt. However, I did feel his frustration and despondency following rejections from his job applications – but his determination shone through.

One of the best quotations from the book took place between the Principal and his assistant, when they were discussing Brad’s interview. They were looking for a teacher for their children with learning disabilities. This was their conversation, before they decided to employ him:
“We told those children time after time that they could do anything they wanted to do, or be anything they wanted to be” said the Principal.
His assistant replied: “If we are going to talk the talk, then we’d better walk the walk.”

Brad knew he had the ability to teach and it took a special school administration to believe in him. Front of the class is a feel good book, which I recommend reading, because it’s informative and brings awareness to Tourette’s Syndrome.

Finally, I must say that I’m full of admiration for Brad Cohen who now gives motivational speeches and is an advocate for Tourettes.

[Thuc Hien · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I thought this is a book about teaching method, or a story that shows a writting with sadness but I was wrong. Brad is really one of the most positive and strong people I’ve known.

After reading this book I’ve learnt so many lessons, he is now only teacher of his students, but of anyone who reads his book.

1. I realize: I’m a thinker, not a doer. I used to think and imagine about things and put down many reasons and obstacles or inconveniences I might come across if I take the tasks. This prevent me to put my full dedication to the tasks that I do, especially the tasks which take me out of my comfort zone. I just sit and imagine about the sweet results.

This is because I did not know about mindfulness. Thinking and wondering just makes me afraid more. Bring me no joy of discovering myself. Just live present. Enjoy the path you make to go to your destination.

From now on, I WILL LEARN HOW TO LIVE MINDFULLY. Every moment is a chance for me to practise to make me more present.


2. Ask for help and know your rights. Ask for help pollitely. Today the boy from NEU call to reach me out for advice even though he don’t know me. And I’m so happy to help him if I can. I will have to learn to ASK FOR HELP and INFORMATION when need. Dont be ashamed. It’s your right.

3. Be kind and sympathy with others. It might be that you dont understand what they are going through. Or it may brighten someone’s day thay might leads to nicer day for people around them. Be nice be supportive to others with no hesitation, and procastination. You will be happy all the time. See your heart as a bank. Each time you make other happy deposit one happiness coin in your demand deposit account, each time you make yourself happy, deposit it in saving account. Woww both happy is double deposit :P

4. There’s nothing you cant do or there’s nothing there’s no way to do. It’s just about your willing tondo things, utilize all your resources, you can do everything with your respurces.

5. You have to believe in yourself. Dont let others define who you are. Just you can do that.

6. Build and nuture meaningful relationships :) Don’t hesitate to do meaningful thing and spend time for them. Open to receive love from them :)

[AlohaMyPikachu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon reading this book, I am not ashamed to tell anyone that I almost cried. As a person who also has a disability, Brad Cohen’s journey and his successes are truly an inspiration to us all. Whether you have touretts or another kind of disability, he embodies all the valuable characteristics of a person who struggled and achieved his dreams despite the ridicule and negative attitudes he endured from early childhood and most likely even till this day.

What struck me the most about Mr. Cohen’s story is that everything he achieved in his life was majorly due to his own attitude and perseverance. No matter how many times he was kicked out of an establishment, no matter how many times he was mocked or put down, he kept going. While he naturally had tons of support from family and friends, it really was his own positive outlook that helped him to get to where he wanted to be. In other words, the man just never quit. If he was kicked down 100 times, he simply stood back up and kept going.

I must also insert that Mr. Cohen is right in this book when he says the problem with the reaction of the people he meets is ignorance. I’ve been saying this myself for many years in relation to my own disability. I even go a bit cheesier and remind people a line from the Disney’s Beauty & the Beast movie. When the men of Belle’s village are trying to storm Beast’s castle, they sing a line about fearing what they don’t understand. This is exactly right. People fear or, make fun or get angry about things they don’t understand.

I could certainly wax more and more about this book. All I can say at this point is that everyone should read this book. I don’t have the same kind of disability as Mr. Cohen, but you can count on me sharing this man’s story with all of my contemporaries and encourage them to read his story.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I saw Brad Cohen's story on the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, I was intrigued to read his book. I wondered if the movie had been white-washed by hallmark or built up to tug on heartstrings. The movie may compress events in Cohen's life and make it appear as if they happened closer together, but the movie very accurately portrays a period of this extraordinary teacher's extraordinary life. Cohen has lived all of his life with a constant companion. It's demanding and disruptive, unpredictable and misunderstood. This constant companion is the loud outbursts, tics, and blurts of Tourette's Syndrome. TS disrupted Brad's ability to form friendships and strained his relationship with his father. TS got him kicked out of public places. It even subjected him to ridicule at school on a daily basis. Through it all, though, Brad strives to see the possibilities for himself rather than the limitations. He had a dream to become a teacher, to reach out to young minds in ways no one had tried to do for him. Front of the Class is the struggles and triumphs on the way to achieving this goal. For the most part, the book followed the movie so closely that I felt I'd read it before. The new information is in the later part of the book, including the newly updated epilogue. Anyone looking for an uplifting story of hope will appreciate Front of the Class.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for Christmas, and I'm so glad! Brad's determined optimism is no less than inspiring. He is a model for all of us when it comes to overcoming obstacles to achieve goals. It is so impressive how Brad has turned his disability into a lifelong learning opportunity. Although he often felt disappointed or embarrassed, he never allowed himself to wallow in these feelings. Instead, he consistently chose to put a positive spin on his experiences, even the most challenging and discouraging. The way he has risen above circumstances that might easily have devastated him should be an example to us all.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story of what it's like to live with severe Tourette's. It helped me understand the sufferer's frustration. I did, however, dislike Cohen's writing style. An author he is not. His writing was simplistic and repetitive; he could have halved the book and still covered the same amount of material. But I guess I should cut him a break because it's probably difficult to type while ticcing.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me quite a bit longer to read this book. Sometimes I had to stop because I couldn't see the words through my tears. Sometimes I just wasn't emotionally ready that day. But I am very thankful to have come across it. Not only is it an excellent read for people with tourette ' s or parents of children with tourette ' s or teachers, it reminds you to give everyone a chance. Everyone is fighting their own battle. Some you can see, others you can't.

[Nattapan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story makes me want to be a better teacher.

Some inspirational quotes from this book:

"...ครูอยากให้พวกหนูรู้ว่าครูรักการสอน และครูหวังว่าเมื่อพวกหนูเดินออกจากห้องเรียนของครู หนูจะเป็นเด็กดีกว่าตอนที่ก้าวเข้ามา" (Brad Cohen)

"...แนวทางการใช้ชีวิตของเขาร่วมกับทูเร็ตต์ซินโดรมพิสูจน์ให้เห็นว่า เป็นไปได้ที่เราจะคาดหวังสิ่งที่ดีที่สุดจากทุกคน โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งตัวเราเอง" (ปีเตอร์ เจ ฮอลเลนเบ็ค, Ph.D.)

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay but the movie was more interesting.. which never happens.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Paige Hillebrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. I read it after getting diagnosed with Tourette's myself and still find myself quoting it and recommending it to people all the time.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 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.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a mom of a child with TS, I loved Brad's story. It's both inspiring and encouraging. The writing style is rather dull and sluggish. but still I think it's worth a read or skim through. Brings awareness to the disorder and how we treat people who are different. We can all learn something from his story.

[Erin Halsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fascinating to hear the TS pieces and heartwarming to read the education pieces.

[Julia Hovzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Мене вразила ця історія.

Усім учителям рекомендую прочитати її.

[Eileen Shankle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by everyone who teaches children,everyone who has ever been in a class or a workplace with a handicapped person, and everyone who has struggled with having a special needs child in their lives. This is the most uplifting story I have read since probably Temple Grandin's story. This author has Tourette's Syndrome,and this is his story. He let nothing stand in his way. He made the people he met understand his disability,and he never stopped reaching for his dreams! It's the most heartwarming story I have read in a long time!

[Sang · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a child with Tourette Syndrome and this book was educational, encouraging, and therapeutic. Brad Cohen tells many personal experiences of struggles and triumphs with TS throughout his life. While it’s extremely easy to be drawn to this book because of a personal connection, I really think that people without a direct connection to TS can benefit immensely from Brad’s example of positivity, perseverance, and achievement. We can all be better at accepting and getting to know people who are different and have unique difficulties, and this book really widened my perspective on how people with mental and physical disabilities can feel.

I cried over and over for him, our child, and our family as I empathized with and related to the difficulties TS can present, but also the refining that can come for the individual and those people they interact with. All people have so much potential and all people have a unique set of challenges. TS is one diagnosis that is highly misunderstood. It’s so much more than tics. There are many, many associated behaviors and conditions that accompany Tourette’s - often the tics themselves are hard for other people to accept, but several of the behaviors are even more difficult for others to tolerate and see past. As parents, we’ve listened to and watched others shun or have a distaste for our child who often seems unable to get along, who can say and do non-socially acceptable things, or who appears blatantly defiant and rude. The child appears “normal” and is expected to act normal to other family, friends, acquaintances and strangers (some of whom even know of the diagnosis), but in reality our child processes the world very differently, does and says a lot of things that are actually beyond their control, and is approximately 2-3 years behind their peers in many matters of maturity. Instead, our child, and we as parents have been judged and been rejected, over and over.

This is even more difficult as we’ve grappled with understanding the scope of the diagnosis and felt lost and without direction to information and resources. Our child and our family just need support, benefit of the doubt, and for people to see beyond the obnoxious moments that make people put us in a box and category. Our child is actually extremely responsive when people take a genuine interest in them, show simple kindness, or make a real effort to get to know them so our child can in turn have the opportunity to show how many fantastic traits and abilities they actually have. It’s hard to be a person sometimes. It’s basically always hard to be a person with Tourette Syndrome. It’s hard to be a parent a lot of the time. It’s even harder to parent a child with Tourette Syndrome. This book has been a huge help.

[Walid Mcloufy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Front of the Class is the inspirational story of Brad Cohen, a man who does not let life's challenges get in the way of his dreams. Brad Cohen has Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder that makes him twitch and make noises constantly. As a young boy, he was made fun of and put down by his classmates and teachers but decided to grow from everything he had endured. Despite all the bullying he endured during his childhood and the trouble he went through with his father, Cohen was determined to live a normal life. He maintained a positive outlook. He decided that when he grew up he was going to be a teacher who would encourage all students and show them that you can do whatever you put your mind to.
As an aspiring teacher, I found this movie to be extremely motivational. Brad Cohen found ways to learn and grow from every experience he had. He teaches life lessons to students when they don't even know they are learning the lessons and always finds a way to inspire. Brad shows students that no matter what difficulty they may have in life, they can always find a way to overcome it and be a better person because of it. As His unwavering determination and fiercely positive attitude conquered the difficulties he faced in school, in college, and while job hunting. Brad never stopped striving, and after twenty-four interviews, he landed his dream job: teaching grade school and nurturing all of his students as a positive, encouraging role model.
Front of the Class is a very eye opening story. There are so many people in society who don't respect or accept others with disabilities or who are different, it is heart breaking. Brad's story made me realize how anyone can make the best out of any situation. He acknowledges that every person has their own problem or difficulty and tells everyone not to make excuses, to accept the challenges and to grow from the experiences. Never once does Brad blame anyone or anything for Tourette syndrome and is an incredibly strong human being because of it.
He made me realize that everybody has obstacles in their life, but it is how a person responds to that obstacle that defines them. When I become a teacher, I want to make sure every student has the chance to learn, and be themselves.
PS: Ali A**r, you should reconsider trusting poeple

[Jalexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been made fun of? Have you ever made fun of somebody else? Imagine going out in public and getting mocked, stared at, pointed at, and made fun of. This is what the main character and narrator, Brad Cohen, who wrote FRONT OF THE CLASS has to deal with for his whole life. If you like a touching yet happy ending autobiography, this is the book for you.
Brads life long dream was to be a teacher. He knew this is what he has to do after he educated his whole school about Tourette syndrome. The feeling he had after he taught them was such a great feeling for him. Unfortunately he did not get a teaching job until his twenty-fifth interview. Even though he did not get a job right away, he never even thought of giving up even though he would get frustrated. This was his dream and he was not about to give up.
Although the writing style was somewhat repetitive, Brad knew he was repeating himself. All he wanted to do was get his point across. This is what he did for me. Not only did he want to get his point across but also he wanted to be accepted and he wanted to inspire people. At the end of Brad’s book he stated, “I hope that reading about my path has inspired you to seek some curves in your own road” (221). I guarantee that after you finish reading this book you will be inspired by Brad just like I am. FRONT OF THE CLASS was also a humorous book in some parts. Brad would joke around by saying something like “…I also told them that they wouldn’t be playing hide-and-seek with me, because they would always know where Mr. Cohen was” (148). He was telling his class this because he thinks that it is good to laugh at yourself rather than having other people laugh at you.
I thought this book was very good because it inspired me to go after my goals, hopes, and dreams. Once you find those I know to never give up. I know for a fact that if anybody ever asks me if I know a good book to read, I will recommend this one. So, get off this computer and go buy or borrow FRONT OF THE CLASS.

[bookreader_nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really hard for me to conjure up words to describe how much Brad's story has touched my heart. I literally just finished this book, and I am still speechless. Maybe my praise for this book sounds a little over-exaggerated, but it seriously speaks to me. I was recently diasgnosed with Tourette Syndrome, so you would understand why I feel this way. Brad's story isn't just about not being accepted into society because of his Tourette's, it's about anyone not being able to fit in into a society that barely accepts different. It's about having courage and faith in oneself to do and achieve all their dreams and beyond. Yes, I know that the majority of people's reviews on Brad's story say "Every teacher should read this book..." but not just teachers, but EVERYONE. If everyone had a taste of what Brad, and a lot of others, went through, then this world would truelly be a better place. I know that, today, people wouldn't harrass me like people harrassed Brad when he was younger because he contributed a lot to people's knowledge of Tourette's today. Due to his courage and axcitement for educating people about Tourette's, kids and adults won't have to worry about being treated poorly because they are different. I watched a video of Brad on YouTube once and he said that everyone has a disability, or something that makes them different, whether it be that they are afraid of heights or they have bad reading comprehension skills, everyone is different, but deserve to have a say in the world, and also deserve to be treated equally as everyone else is. Everyone should take Brad's story and stick it somewhere in their mind, and should think of him when they feel uncomfortable around people because the way they treat them, or when you see someone else being treated in a way that upsets them. Not everyone is perfect, and everyone is different. Different makes some of the most amazing people in the world, such as Brad. Take Brad's message close to you, because it pertains to everyone in this world. Brad's story will always remain with me wherever I go.

[Elizabeth A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the labels on this book, it is not a book about Tourette Syndrom. Front of the Class is a book about perserverance and reaching your dreams (it goes perfectly with our new unit!). Brad Cohen has Tourette Syndrome, a condition that causes him to be unable to control muscle spasms and loud noises such as "whooping", shrieking, etc. Cohen has a difficult childhood because of this; kids and adults alike believed he was an attention-seeking, dumb student. In reality, Cohen worked harder than anybody else at his school, but his condition still prevented much success. For example, reading was made very difficult because Cohen's muscle spasms every few seconds made focusing on the text near impossible. Brad Cohen was also relentlessly bullied for many years as a child. However, he used all the insults as fuel to help him succeed (so he could try to show the world how wrong they were about how successful he could be). Cohen went on to be a nationally recognized teacher and speaker by evaluating how teachers had failed to help him and what he could do to emulate the ones that had a positive influence on him. Cohen's inspiring story is a true testimony that through hard work and determination, you can achieve your dreams.

Although Front of the Class is a nonfiction book, it is formatted like a novel. It is written in close up first person, helping the reader become absorbed in Brad Cohen's emotions and struggles. This narration allows the reader to understand Cohen. In addition, because it is written like a novel, the book is easier to read. If Front of the Class was merely a list of Tourette Syndrome symptoms, it wouldn't be as moving. Written like a novel, this book paints a picture of life with Tourette Syndrome and its effects on everyday life.

[Dennis D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this auto-biography. It was recently filmed as a made-for-TV movie, and, although I didn’t see it, some of the promo articles the movie led me to seek out this book.

The author, Brad Cohen, suffers from Tourette Syndrome, and ‘Front of the Class’ chronicles his struggle to deal with the disease and to overcome the limitations it places on him. It was interesting, to learn that although TS was first identified in the mid-19th century, all but the most extreme cases went undiagnosed as TS as recently as the 1980s. When the author was a child, instead of being recognized as a TS-sufferer, he was characterized as a ‘bad seed;’ unruly, undisciplined, and out-of-control. Even after Cohen’s TS was clinically identified, he still had to deal with the perceptions and prejudices of a public that was only slowly becoming aware of the disease.

The latter half of the book relates to Cohen’s quest to become a school teacher. The way he relates to students is a good story unto itself, and should inspire teachers to try to be all they can be.

My only complaint is, despite everything, Cohen falls into the trap of coming across at times as a little too self-congratulatory.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal book. I am inspired by Brad's perseverance and optimism, and was astounded by his constant drive to educate others. He is not only an advocate for people with TS, but also proves that people with mental health issues and other exceptionalities can overcome obstacles to living successful and fulfilling lives. I was particularly impressed by the candour with which he portrayed his struggles, the fear and self-doubt that can arise in the face of hardship stemming from an immutable condition. I cried at times, not only at the moments of rejection and subsequent disappointment, but also at times of supreme triumph, such as when the teachers at Mountain View all came together to support the then fledgeling teacher in a nontrivial display of acceptance.

I agree with other readers that the conclusion seemed a bit self-congratulatory, but throughout this autobiography, his successes were expressed with humility and grace. His sense of humour was also a highlight in this book, and I found myself smiling often at the sweet anecdotes that arose. It was also interesting, from a learning skills perspective, to read techniques employed to engage the more challenging students.

I would recommend this book to anyone experiencing hardship, as a reminder to push yourself to do more than you think you're capable of in the pursuit of excellence.

[Hannah]

I absolutely loved the book. It taught me that I shouldn’t be ashamed of myself. Brad Cohen’s story is very inspiring, and it is capable of teaching anybody who reads it a very important message. He is a very talented writer although the beginning of the book was less interesting than the rest. I never wanted to put it down. He has a great and unique story to tell. It’s unlike any other book I’ve read. I would definitely give this book 5 stars.