Is this a good idea for a book? Would you read it?

Question

I've been keeping a journal from teaching in rough neighborhoods in Chicago the past five years. It's a look at why teachers struggle so much, but at the same time, you watch me and my students grow each year.

Some entries include: students stealing my credit card and going on a shopping spree, me getting sexually harassed by another male teacher, school shootings, kids bringing guns/drugs to school, being threatened by crazy parents...etc.

Chicago Public School are considered the worst in the USA. This could almost be a snapshot of one teacher's experience.

Please tell me what you think. There are only a handful of similiar books out there.

to clarify, this wouldn't be a "I'm trying to change the world" thing. I didn't triumph over adversity, I burnout and quit. Talk about a depressing ending to the story. It wouldn't be uplifting, but rather a critical look at two schools in Chicago: one private Catholic and one public.

So much for my "summers off", right Orange Deity? For the record, most teachers work in the summer to offset their crappy pay.

I am worlds away from submitting this from publication. And yes, I do believe the Detriot rivals CPS. My motives are really that schools are underresourced and staffed with ineffectual morons, for the most part.

Answer 1

I think you have a lot of good material and experiences to work with there. And that potentially would make for a good and interesting book.
I would suggest reading books written about similar experiences.
In other words, it could help greatly knowing what's been done, expecially what's been very successful. I would also suggest some good books on writing techniques and approaches and magazines for writers. It's one thing to have good material, real and heart-felt; but it's quite another to shape it into a meaningful book.
Reading the above (not necessarily everything available) can help you decide whether or not to proceed with the lengthy work of planning and writing.

Answer 2

I think it's a great idea for a book, but you'll want to think a lot about what your main topic is so you keep it interesting and relevant for the reader. Is the topic you? Is it the "average teacher"? Is it the kids? Is it how hard it is being a teacher? Is it how bad Chicago public schools are? Is it why it's too hard to be a teacher or is it to show that it's ultimately fulfilling? Is it funny? Is it inspirational? Is it an expose? These are all things you need to know before you get started.
It would be worth sitting down with a writer/editor to talk about how to structure it. It might even be worth finding a writing workshop in your area. That might help you get ideas for how to narrow down all your interesting story lines into a few key issues that fit together well.
All in all, I think it could be great.

Answer 3

Personally I think the idea might have potential, but I have to ask what you're motives are for wanting to publish. What do you hope to achieve from telling this story? Are you going to reinforce the negative image of Chicago schools or focus on how teachers can make a difference. I would really have to know what light the book would be presented in. In a book your message is everything.

Answer 4

It sounds like Dangerous Minds all over again. Unorthodox teacher comes in, faces adversity, makes a difference. It has been done before. And I would rank Detroit below Chicago.

Answer 5

Sounds like a good idea to me, especially since books like these are usually centered around a child protagonist rather than the teacher.

It seems like you have a lot of good experiences to use in your writing already, which should help add credibility to the plot because of all the details you will be able to include.

My personal opinion: go for it. You've got nothing to lose.

Answer 6

It is a very good idea hope things work out for you, and I hope to read your your book in the near future.

Answer 7

It sounds really good...I would definitely want to read it

P.S....the people who say that this is a bad idea...could probably never even BEGIN to write a book ;) (or teach, for that matter!)

Answer 8

Sounds more like a good movie but if you write it well it could be a bestseller. Just make sure to copywrite it once you write it.

Answer 9

Sell it to HBO and watch them make a movie out of it.

I'd see how many other books have similar themes.......if there isn't many, you'll probaly have a good market.

Answer 10

It sounds interesting, and I would love to have more insight into teachers' lives.