Accidental Lessons - A Memoir of a Rookie Teacher and a Life Renewed (Hardcover)

Chicago Journalist Writes an Extraordinary and Personal Memoir David W. Berner takes the reader inside his own personal journey - a very human and inspirational story of self-discovery. After the death of his father, the end of a marriage, and the loss of his job, the author accepts a teaching position in an impoverished and troubled Chicago-area school, hoping the change will help him find his footing. What he discovers not only surprises him but also reawakens his life, teaching him invaluable lessons about himself, his place in the world, and the redemptive power of second chances. David W. Berner is a journalist, documentary writer, and producer. He teaches writing, documentary, and radio narrative classes at Columbia College Chicago. He has published personal essays, hundreds of magazine articles, and interviewed the likes of Ted Kennedy, Tiger Woods, and Bill Gates. David lives in Naperville, Illinois and is currently working on a collection of stories about fatherhood. Accidental Lessons is his first book. www.davidwberner.com PRAISE FOR ACCIDENTAL LESSONS "Berner has given us a beautiful, elegantly-written book in the tradition of Blackboard Jungle and To Sir, With Love - the difference here is that Berner's story is not fiction, it's true." - Thomas E. Kennedy, Winner of the 2008 National Magazine Award and author of In the Company of Angels "Accidental Lessons will toss you like a cork at sea, throw you heavy against its steel straps, and when it's done you'll never be quite the same. This is the kind of book you tell your friends about." - Eric Jones, BookReview.com "A terrific memoir." - Rick Kogan, The Sunday Papers, WGN Radio, Chicago "A book of raw honesty." - Larry Richert, KDKA Radio, Pittsburgh Publisher's Website: www.strategicbookpublishing.com/AccidentalLessons.html