The Taking of Room 114

By Mel Glenn



A division of Penguin Books USA Inc. New York, New York

"Mel Glenn is an award-winning poet and author of twelve books, including Jump Ball(Dutton 1997) and Split Image (HarperCollins 2000). Mel, born in Switzerland,,was raised in Brooklyn. After graduating college, he spent two years in the Peace Corps, (Sierra Leone), and then returned home to teach junior and senior high school in Brooklyn for 34 years. Mel retired in 2001 and now spends his time writing and appearing at schools, libraries and conferences. He and his wife, Elyse, also a retired teacher, have two sons, Jonathan a writer, and drew, a software engineer. Mel's website is http://www.melglenn.com/

Summary:

Your average seniors of typical Tower high school held hostage by their history teacher. Mr. Wiedermyer, a man sick of all the same excuses, the same remarks, the same stupid questions finally snaps under the monotony of his day in day out life as a teacher. Glen wrote this brilliant little book in poem form, you get to meet each of the students and travel with them through high school up until that dreadful day in; room 114.

Personal Review:

This book wasn't my cup of tea. I'm not big into poetry and I found the set up of the book irritating instead of intriguing. It just felt like the author was skipping the interesting parts and .. i just did not like it.

WARNINGS: Weapons, violence, sex, drugs