The Priority List by David Menasche

The Priority List by David Menasche
ISBN: 9781476743448
Hardcover

Synopsis: Based on a beloved teacher’s most popular lesson, The Priority List is a bold, inspirational story of learning, love, and legacy that challenges us to ask: What truly matters in life? 

David Menasche lived for his work as a high school English teacher. His passion inspired his students, and between lessons on Shakespeare and sentence structure, he forged a unique bond with his kids, buoying them through personal struggles while sharing valuable life lessons.

When a six-year battle with brain cancer ultimately stole David’s vision, memory, mobility, and—most tragically of all—his ability to continue teaching, he was devastated by the thought that he would no longer have the chance to impact his students’ lives each day.

But teaching is something Menasche just couldn’t quit. Undaunted by the difficult road ahead of him, he decided to end his treatments and make life his classroom. Cancer had robbed him of his past and would most certainly take his future; he wouldn’t allow it to steal his present. He turned to Facebook with an audacious plan: a journey across America— by bus, by train, by red-tipped cane—in hopes of seeing firsthand how his kids were faring in life. Had he made a difference? Within forty-eight hours of posting, former students in more than fifty cities replied with offers of support and shelter. 

Traveling more than eight thousand miles from Miami to New York, to America’s heartland and San Francisco’s Golden Gate, and visiting hundreds of his students, David’s fearless journey explores the things we all want and need out of life—family, security, independence, love, adventure—and forces us to stop to consider our own Priority List.

My review: I have to say I really enjoy this book. When I first heard about it I knew at once I wanted to read it. Then when I started it I realized it was not quite what I thought it was going to be but I continued reading and am very glad I did. I could not imagine going through what David is going through and then to stop treatment and leave home without a plan is a pretty brave move. Reading David's story and what he did for his students was worth the read. After reading this book I can only wish that I had a teacher like David who cared as much as he does for each of his students. You can really see his passion for teaching and his students as you continue through this book. I encourage you to pick this book up and give it a chance and then think about your own priority list.