Book

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to reveal that I know the author of this work and was aware of some the issues as they happened, though not in any detail. The full extent of the trouble—as revealed in this memoir—was as much of an eye-opener to me as it will be to you.

A Crushing of Innocence is a well-crafted memoir tracing the daily battles the author endured over a year in the classroom of a teacher intent on bullying and intimidation. In simple, spare prose, the author describes the aggressions, micro and macro, this woman inflicted on her. Over the years of my education, I have been lucky to mostly have teachers I liked and admired. Even the ones I didn’t like didn’t go out of their way to belittle and humiliate me. It can be very difficult to read. You want to do something to help but cannot. It’s difficult.

Most of all, one walks away from this memoir with an immense admiration for the strength and courage of the author. After all, despite everything that happens in the book—is done to her—she continues to return day after day and try to do her best. I don’t know that I’d have the strength to keep going back. I don’t think many people would have the strength to keep going back.

And that is perhaps the best lesson gleaned from this story: the author survived and is doing fine, thank you. Granted, she had the unquestioning support of both parents and her faith, which certainly helped. But deep inside, she was the one who wouldn’t give up, even when no one would fault her for doing so. So, for those we know who might be going through something similar, who may not have the support of their parents, have them read this account and know that they are enough. Just keep moving towards your goals.

No matter what.
James Boyle, Author