I enjoyed reading this memoir. The author spent two years in rural Mississippi teaching fourth grade through the Teach America program. The book is based on his experiences, however the town and school are fictional to protect the guilty. The first year begins well and goes downhill from there. This is not a happy book for anyone. It is heartbreaking that this story is current. There is no finger pointing just a realization that these students will be failed by everyone around them. The writing is very good and the book is easy to read. Anyone interested in southern history and education should read this book.

My apologies, I started the download process before I realized this book isn't available in Kindle format, which is the electronic reader I use. I won't be able to review this title, though it sounds very interesting.