Goodbye, Mr. Chips

What a genuinely classic book! Alex stated the general premise: An old teacher recounts his years as a teacher and the experiences those years brought. Hilton, the author, finds a way to build in the reader fond feelings towards Chips without ever really delving deep into the character himself. Through the various encounters remembered in the book, though, you seem to become intimately familiar with good ole' Mr. Chips and grow quite attached to him.

Being a teacher, I took particular interest in how Chips' approached his classroom throughout different phases in his life. It caused me to take a few introspective looks at myself to determine what types of methods I use for "controlling" my classroom, as well as how my relationships with students and colleagues are built and maintained.

I would, without a doubt, recommend this book - especially to teachers!

Appearance: 4.5/5 It was the appearance that first drew me to this book!

Readability: 4.5/5 The book is broken up into small chapters, each one being another story of Chips'. I do see what the author is trying to portray with the "umphs" in Chips' speech, but it really got old after a while

My Points: 9/10 Again, I would gladly recommend this one! Its a classic!

Total Points: 18/20

Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Goodbye, Mr. Chips; written by James Hilton (1934). "The world-famous tale of a gentle, unassuming man with a noble mind and great heart."

In this 115 page book (with pictures!) you get to know a school teacher that goes by Mr. Chips. Enjoying the last leg of his journey in life, he recalls various memories from his years of teaching and living. Through his tales, you begin to have a lot of respect and love for good ol' Mr. Chips! His behavior and attitude are consistent and are attractive in a mentoring way.

"Oh, just on of Chip's ideas, I expect. The old boy still has 'em."

Chips, in his room again, was not displeased by the comment. Yes, he still had 'em--those ideas of dignity and generosity that were becoming increasingly rare in a frantic world.

Page 87.

Appearance: 4/5--Looked and smelled old and worn :)

Readability: 4.5/5--There were some repetitive things, but the different stories were interesting

My Points: 9/10--The "umphs" in his speaking are good and bad, sometimes annoying but representative of him. I love Mr. Chips though; good story.

Overall Rating: 17.5/20

Hello and Welcome

Meet the authors!

My brother, Zack, and I have recently developed a system of book giving and receiving which may seem complicated but has the potential to be awesome! We'll use the first book as the example:

Step One- Zack buys me a book that he thinks I'll like at a used book store and gives it to me.
Step Two- I read the book. If I like it, I send the book to him so that he can enjoy it. Then, once he is finished, he returns the book which signifies it is now my turn to purchase a book for him.
Step Two- Alternate- If I read the book and do not enjoy it, I go ahead and get a book for him and send it with the original book that failed to meet my expectations so he may have the chance to read it as well since our tastes may be different.

It is a pretty simple system. Now, the blog is for our benefit (and yours!) We can share why we liked our disliked the book we received (and you now know a book you may want to try!)

Happy reading!
~Alex