NonFiction Book Club
Seven Days of Possibilities
by Anemona Hartocollis
Buy book: $16.76

Hartocollis shares the inspirational true story of one plucky young Bronx public school music teacher whose passion for her students transformed their lives--some for only seven days, others for a lifetime.

 

Good morning-It's not even light yet! As I wait to go to my physical science class for a test-what better way then to start a book that will be about my home state. (Live in Florida, now) I love hearing about these teachers that make a difference.

I agree, Lorinda. I am intrigued that a foreigner would stick around in the odd world of public education AND make a difference in her students' lives. That a reporter has elaborated on a POSITIVE public education story is a feather in her cap.

I bought a copy -- it comes with a cd! --of the children's choir singing gospel.

Comes with a CD? How great is that!!

Hi, I'm the author. This is my first book and I'm thrilled you are reading it. Thanks for the positive messages, and I hope you all will read to the end. This is a happy story, but the ending is so sad that it made my husband, for one, cry. The teacher and her students go on a journey of self-discovery, as well as a real life 4,000-mile trip. She's a small town girl, with a crippling disease, who is torn between her desire to be a jazz star and to be close to her family. She falls in love with teaching almost without meaning to, because her own private struggles (her disease, being in a strange land) bring her close to the disadvantaged kids she is working with. The ending of the book is truly shocking, painful to read, but whether you're a teacher or in the army or any other large organization, you'll understand. It's unfair but true. People who break the rules and dare to dream often get hurt in the end. By the way, the teacher, Johanna Grussner, just issued her first major jazz record, "No More Blues," on the Naxos label. I'm wishing her luck.
best,
anemona

Thank you friends, for buying, reading and caring about this book. When I read it, it didn't feel like I read about myself, that's how well Anemona tells the story. I admire her rich and beautiful language, and her way of describing these fantastic children in such detail. By reading this book, I learned so much more about the kids than even I knew before. She has certainly done her research!
I live in Stockholm, Sweden nowadays, but I try to go to New York about every second year to perform and meet the kids from the choir. Last time we got together to sing was last June (04) and the kids sounded wonderful! If you want to catch their next appearance I will keep it posted on my web site www.johannagrussner.com

Take care, you all good people.
Love,
Johanna Grüssner

Johanna,

I enjoyed reading your story, thanks to you and Anemona for sharing it. You're an interesting and inspiring person!

Lylah

Miss Johanna,
I have been captivated by your story since first reading the installments in the New York Times 3+ years ago. I am thrilled to have recently bought a copy of your book. Would it be possible to interview you? I so admire you and would love to speak with you, or at least correspond through email.
I am in a Ed.D. course and your story is one I would like to tell more fully to my colleagues.
Thak you for your consideration,
Michele Dahl

Hello, Ms. Hartocollis,
I was captivated by your reporting of Johanna Grussner's story when it first appeared in the New York Times. I have shared this inspirational story on many occasions. Recently in a graduate course, I mentioned the story and was encouraged to seek updates. The result was finding your book!
Would it ever be possible to interview you in relation to your work and my Ed. D. course?
I would be thrilled to hear from you.

All the best to you,
Michele Dahl
Warren, New Jersey