Hypothetically The Craziest Sh%T I’ve Ever Done!?! by TC Blackwell
Thanks to the author, TC Blackwell, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Hypothetically The Craziest Sh%T I’ve Ever Done!?!’.
Description Hypothetically Craziest Sh%T I’ve Ever Done by TC Blackwell
How many embarrassing stories are locked away in your memories? Imagine if you complied every story that made your friends say “No way” or “I’d have to see it to believe it.”
This laugh out loud memoir is for everyone who wished life came with an instruction manual. (If you come across one, will you share it?) These outrageous, unbelievable stories are too bizarre to be fiction. In addition to laughter, T.C. Blackwell offers some words of wisdom so you can learn how you might avoid similar, unfortunate life events.
Are you too self-conscious to share your past humiliations? Even…hypothetically? If so, this book is for you!
About TC Blackwell
TC Blackwell specializes in crafting funny adventures with a heaping dose of romance. She holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and shares an incredibly unique passion for helping young adults bridge the literacy gap.
She is a fitness guru and lives in Minnesota. In theory she is working on her next novel. In reality she is possibly at the local gym or watching a comedy movie.
Dragons In My Classroom: A Teacher’s Memoir by Barbara Kennard
Publisher: She Writes Press, (June 14, 2022) Category: Memoir, Educator Biographies, Mid-Life Management, Inspirational Tour dates: June 15, 2022-July 15, 2022 ISBN: 978-1647423650 Available in Print and ebook, 224 pages
Description Dragons In My Classroom by Barbara Kennard
As a young book lover with dyslexia, Barbara found the solution to her reading struggles in Miss Gluding, her first-grade teacher, who showed compassion for her student’s plight—and knew how to help her. From that time on, Barbara knew what she wanted to be: a teacher, just like Miss Gluding.
Unfortunately, Barbara also had some bad teachers in the years that ensued—including her sixth-grade teacher, an exacting woman who called attention to Barbara’s learning disabilities in front of classmates. Still wanting to follow in Miss Gluding’s footsteps in 1964, Barbara vowed she would be a better one than her sixth-grade teacher; instead, however, she became very much like her, with unattainable expectations for her students and herself. After seventeen years in the teaching profession, she realized she had to either change her teaching style or change careers. By providence, right as she stood at this crossroads, she was offered the opportunity to teach overseas at The Dragon School in Oxford, England, for a year—an opportunity she jumped at.
In the year that followed, Barbara would rely on her faith in God to give up a lot of what she knew about teaching and learn to do it differently—ways that wouldn’t have room for her perfectionism. In short, she would have to begin again.
My Thoughts Dragons In My Classroom by Barbara Kennard
Barbara Kennard knew that she wanted to become a teacher from a young age, like her first-grade teacher. She did not want to be over bearing, like her sixth-grade teacher.
Let me start from the beginning. Barbara had a learning disability, dyslexia. It is a very common problem but when she went to school, there was no such thing as special education. Luckily for her, her first-grade teacher would not give up on her and she learned to read. That teacher influenced her so much that she wanted to follow in her foot steps. Even though when she started sixth grade, she was discouraged by her over bearing teacher.
I completely understood how she felt. You see, I also had dyslexia and struggle to learn how to read, write and do basic math. By the time I went to school, in the 60’s, my school had a special education first grade class. My teacher, Mrs. Conden, had the patience of a saint and I learned. Once I caught on how to read, you could not get me to stop! However, I also had a terrible Kindergarten teacher who punished me for things like not being able to cut out a heart on Valentine’s day that actually looked like a heart. Of course, that was from the dyslexia as well. At least, I know that now, as an adult who had studied disabilities towards my Social work degree. I also had an over bearing fifth grade teacher.
I wanted to be in a helping profession, like Ms. Kennard but certainly not teaching, due to my negative experiences! That is where we differ. She wanted to be like her first-grade teacher and not her sixth-grade teacher. She succeeded in becoming a teacher. She loved teaching in a Montessori school but eventually ended up teaching in an all-boys school in Boston. That was more challenging for her. Between the administration and the parents, she started to feel burned out.
A friend of hers, from the administration came to talk with her one day. He could tell that she was feeling burnt out. He told her about a program they had with a school in Oxford, England. Teachers would swap places for two years. He said that he did it and he gained an entirely new perspective from it. After discussing it with her husband, she decided to do it and moved to Oxford for 2 years. It was named the Dragon school.
She loved the experience and grew leaps and bounds from the experience. After the 2 years she was back in Boston with renewed energy. She had a new outlook. How so you ask? Sorry, I am not giving away any spoilers here, you will have to read the book. Yeah, I can hear you now, “but a book about teaching must be boring!” Well, I am here to tell you, not this book, not ‘Dragons In My Classroom’!
Ms. Kennard writes with poetic prose that is anything but boring. She writes lovingly about her students, about Boston, and Oxford. I felt like I was there, as her friend and assistant teacher. You don’t have to be a teacher, parent, or student to love this memoir! It has something to teach everyone while entertaining at the same time. She has achieved so much, especially for someone with dyslexia!
Kennard writes from the heart and I cannot recommend ‘Dragons In My Classroom’ highly enough. If you do read it, please come back and share your thoughts. In fact, I think it would make for excellent book club discussion!
5 stars
I received the eBook for my honest review.
<h2>About Barbara Kennard
(c) Cedric Buard
Barbara Kennard taught English and performing arts to elementary, middle, and high school students from 1980 to 2015 and has received two teaching awards: The Christa McAuliffe Award for Teaching Excellence and The Barbara Kennard Sixth Grade English Prize, established in her name at The Fessenden School by a Fessenden family.
Barbara lives in Texas with her husband, pianist Brady Millican, and their cat, Piper.
Giveaway Dragons In My Classroom by Barbara Kennard
This giveaway is for 3 print copies and is open to the U.S. only. This giveaway ends on July 15, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Blessed by the Best: My Journey to Canton and Beyond by Brian Dawkins, Michael Bradley (Contributor)
Publisher: Camino Books, Inc; 1st edition (August 30, 2021) Category: Memoir, Football Biographies, Sports, Inspirational Tour dates: June 27-July 14, 2022 ISBN: 978-1680980257 Available in Print and ebook, 256 pages
Description Blessed By the Best by Brian Dawkins
Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996, Dawkins fought to elevate not only his own game but that of his entire team. He sweat, bled, and dominated through sixteen season in the NFL all the way into the Hall of Fame, but not for a moment did he believe his strength alone brought him that glory. Every step of the way the Lord had his back. From coaches that wanted to break him to defeats and bitter lessons in humility, his career is a testament to his faith and an homage to the countless people that helped him along the way.
In the wake of his success, Dawkins comes forward to describe his journey to become one the best safeties in the NFL. Physical training wouldn’t cut it. Blessed by the Best follows Dawkins trials to train his mind and faith along with his skill. As a nervous kid from Jacksonville, he never dreamed of one day standing in front of a crowd to accept that golden jacket. But one way or another, he made it. Dawkins tells his story straight, unafraid of exposing his own weaknesses; his over competitive spirit that takes losses to hard, the tunnel vision that estranged him from his kids, and the self-doubt that plagued much of his early years. Triumphs, pitfalls, love, and struggles Dawkins shares them all, not for himself, but in gratitude of those who have helped him along the way.
“I had been blessed by the best. First, that meant the Lord, who has blessed me with so much. It also meant all those people and things around me that I believe were the best for me. Maybe they weren’t the best for somebody else. Your best may not be my best. That’s fine. Everything that has happened to me has been to bring out the best in me. Even the toughest, hardest times in my life were the best things for me. If I hadn’t gone through them, maybe I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
“This is not a football book. It has football in it, but this is a life tool,” Dawkins told Heavy. “These are things that I have gone through in my life, that others have taught me.”
Guest Review Blessed By the Best by Brian Dawkins
Guest Review by Mark
“A lot of people are going through things where they don’t feel wanted, or they feel they don’t measure up. They don’t feel they are getting the accolades they deserve or the simple affection they need. Not everyone can be a Hall of Famer in football, but people can learn what their gifts are and how they can surround themselves with people who help them be the best they can be.”
Football legend Brian Dawkins’ writes in his memoir ‘Blessed By the Best,’ about his family, his career and all of the blessings that he has been given.
Dawkins career started when he was drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996 and went for another sixteen years, during which time he played for the Denver Broncos, before he retired. But this memoir doesn’t just talk about his time as a football star. Dawkins dives deep into his relationship with his parents, his struggles with mental health and all of the big and small things that have made up his extraordinary life so far.
Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Dawkins had an idyllic 1970’s and 80’s childhood that including playing outside until the streetlights came on and hanging out with a group of kids from his neighborhood. Dawkins met his wife, Connie in high school.
Connie seemed to be from a whole different world from him, and when he began attending her church, he was given a new love and faith in God that persists to this day. Faith is a powerful motivator for Dawkins, and a huge puzzle piece of what he feels has brought him his success in life.
Dawkins’ life seems to have been a very compelling journey and he offers a great role model for anyone who is seeking advice on how to be the best version of themselves.
4.5/5 stars
I received the ebook for my honest opinion.
Praise Blessed By the Best by Brian Dawkins
“This book is without a doubt the most powerful and poignant autobiography I’ve ever read by a retired professional athlete – ever. And, of course, it would be. In my nearly three decades of covering the NFL for ESPN, I have never encountered anyone like Brian Dawkins. After reading this highly personal, truly inspirational autobiography, now I know why. If you are a parent, a teacher, a coach, a leader in any way in your profession or life, you can learn so much from Brian and this book. His message cuts through all the clutter of our age. His life is a timely reminder that we can do good, for ourselves, our families, our community and our country. Brian is a living embodiment of that. This book is testimony to that achievement – and it can be yours, too.” –Sal Paolantonio, National Correspondent, ESPN
“Blessed by the Best” is a journey into the life of someone who inspired me to never settle for being mediocre. Brian Dawkins’ aim in life has always been to be better than those around him physically, mentally and spiritually. Brian was not only an incredible football player but an awesome friend, and his faith and drive are electric and contagious. “Blessed by the Best” is a must read and will surely motivate you in all areas of your life.”-Brian Westbrook, two-time Pro Bowl halfback with the Eagles and San Francisco, 2002-10
“Just as he played, his book is honest and passionate. He reveals his struggles and accomplishments from his point of view. My favorite player of all time in any sport. Went to Canton to see him inducted. It was an incredible trip. Wishing him many more blessings.”- Mommashark, Amazon
“Amazing Book! This book is definitely worth reading. As a person struggling or anyone that wants advice to help guide you to overcome and become stronger in different aspects of your life, I would suggest this.”-Flea, Amazon
About Brian Dawkins
In this Aug. 25, 2006, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins stands on the sidelines during a preseason NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Philadelphia. The veteran safety announced through his Twitter account Monday, April 23, 2012, that he is retiring from the NFL after 16 seasons. Dawkins spent his first 13 seasons with the Eagles and his last three with the Denver Broncos. (AP Photo/George Widman, file)
Brian Dawkins entered the NFL in the second round of the 1996 draft and has since achieved 1,131 tackles, 37 achieved passes, 26 recorded sacks and 19 fumble recoveries, which has earned him a place in the NFL Hall of Fame. Out of his 16 career seasons, Dawkins spent 13 with the Eagles before signing as an unrestricted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2008. Despite the team change, Dawkins still holds several team records for the Eagles, and as of 2012 his jersey number 20 has become one of only nine to be retired in the history of the franchise.
Michael Bradley is a writer, broadcaster and professor who lives in suburban Philadelphia. He has written for numerous national publications, and he has authored 32 books, including Big Games: College Football’s Greatest Rivalries. Bradley has appeared on TV and radio networks across the country, including ESPN and NFL Network. He is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication at Villanova University.
This giveaway is for 2 print copies and is open to the U.S. only. This giveaway ends on July 15, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Hypothetically The Craziest Sh%T I’ve Ever Done!?! by TC Blackwell
