In the Deep Heart's Core

I am a classmate and friend of the author at YLS and would like to refute the earlier character-attacking review from the YLS student. While I have not had the opportunity to read through the entire book myself, I have talked with the author about education issues and his book, and have found him to be highly informed. More importantly, I feel that he has a legitimate desire to improve the plight of those children from disadvantaged backgrounds through education reform.

I read this book after an urban student teaching experience, and I think that has the ability to really open a prospective-teacher's eyes to what they are about to face. Johnston provides the reader with a realistic account of urban education and how a first year teacher deals with the milestones of adolescence.

I was moved to tears many times while reading this book. Johnston's love for his newfound land is evident and his tender prose reads like poetry in parts. He clearly encountered countless hardships while teaching at Greenville High, but he is quick to take himself to task along with others, which shows his humility. I would recommend this beautifully written account to anyone interested in improving education in America.

What makes this book so uncommonly good is the author's refusal to hide behind the polite euphemisms of racial and social inequality that have for too long hampered most attempts to change the status quo in the deep South. This book's candid portrayals of hope and fear, frustration and tolerance at Greenville High make for a compelling read. Once you've started reading, you're hooked!

This is one of the top 15 best books I have ever read. Its sensitivity coupled with vivid imagery and heartbreaking story are riveting. You will finish it quickly simply because you cannot put it down. Read it. Give it to your friends, teachers, former teachers, neighbors, strangers on the street. This author deserves to be read.