At one time or another, the majority of students have wished they could escape class to chase some far-off dream. But how many have had the bravery to actually do it?
In 1945, after attending high school for approximately one hour, George Hemingway Isom, an African-American student in St. Louis, dropped out after deciding there were other things he’d rather do. At age 14, he enlisted for two years in the Navy and embarked on an adventure that would take him to World War II and beyond.
In his new memoir, What is that Boy Going to Do Next?, Isom details the lessons learned during his journey. Noting that an education can come in many shapes and sizes, his message is destined for those who have ambitious dreams but are discouraged by society’s rigid expectations.
“Being unconventional does not mean you are doomed to failure in life,” he says.
In What is that Boy Going to Do Next?, Isom glorifies the merits of integrity and shows that by putting yourself first, you can put yourself ahead.
“It is not easy being true to yourself; being guided by your values, morals and ethics can get you in trouble with people who expect you to go along with their program,” he says. Having earned his B.A., M.A., M.ED., and Ph.D., Isom, an erstwhile 9th-grade dropout, is proof that a little self-dedication can go a long way.
He believes youths should remain true to themselves and act boldly in setting the course of their futures. This coming-of-age story proves that sometimes the road less taken is the best possible choice.
About the Author
Several years after his discharge from the Navy, Isom moved to New York City, returned to school and learned a trade; years later, he attended the City College of New York, Columbia University and the University of Iowa, ultimately earning a B.A., M.A., M.ED., and a Ph.D. He worked in the education system for 30 years, teaching in the New York City Public School system, as well as at the University of Iowa, and serving as an administrator for Bronx, New York School District 7 and the State Education Department of New York. He is now retired, living near New York City.
My Take on the Book
This is a great tale that draws you in from the beginning to the end. The characters you are introduced to throughout the story are strong and the plot is intriguing and strong. Even though the story itself is short you find yourself wanting to read more and more to see what will happen next. The family dynamics in this story are a bit disturbing, but you still get a great picture of the world in which the book revolves. Overall, this was a great story that I believe all will appreciate!
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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