Authentic and immersive; a thorough fun.
Simone’s engrossing memoir is a captivating and insightful read that offers a poignant glimpse into the author’s first year as a high school teacher in a remote Alaskan community. In 1984, fresh out of college, Simone impulsively applied for a teaching role in the distant outpost of Shishmaref, Alaska. With minimal teaching experience and a dash of camping know-how, she found herself navigating the rugged terrain and crafting a curriculum tailored to her Inuit students’ unique needs, whose lives revolved around fishing and hunting.
Simone’s storytelling is both engaging and heartfelt, drawing readers into the challenges and triumphs she faces in a vastly different environment. Her witty observations and lively dialogue invite readers to share in her journey and find joy in the everyday struggles. Through poignant encounters with her pupils and humorous mishaps, she grapples with the complexities of her role, discovering profound lessons about herself along the way. As the memoir draws to a close, it reflects on a pivotal career decision and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, encapsulating a journey of personal and professional growth against the backdrop of the Chukchi Sea’s tranquil expanse. Throughout, the book navigates themes of diversity, personal growth, and resilience in the face of adversity. The accompanying black-and-white photographs effortlessly capture the essence of the author’s journey, from sweeping landscapes to intimate encounters with the locals. Provocative and thought-provoking, the book invites readers to immerse themselves in the author’s experiences and gain a deeper understanding of navigating cultural complexities in a remote and diverse community. A witty and heartwarming exploration of resilience, cultural immersion, and the profound impact of education in unconventional settings.
Teaching in the Dark: A Memoir
Genét Simone
Balboa Press
Pub date September 22, 2023
ISBN 979-8765244296
Price $8. 99 Kindle, $56.99 Hardcover, $19.95 Paperback
