What People are Saying...
In this amazing book, David Garlick helps us journey back to our days in school. For both students and educators, the trip involves gentle laughter, goosebumps, laughing out loud and a few tears. It reminds us of the beauty of student music echoing along a marble hall, and the many dimensions of an educator's love of what they do - a great read! - Mary Jean Gallagher
...an entertaining read that ultimately showcases the most extraordinary dimensions of humanity found in the everyday world of schools and educators. The familiarity of this world, and the gifted writing that returns us to it inevitably provokes nostalgic reflection, a healthy amount of out-loud laughter, and a persistent smile long after the reading lamp has been turned off. Indeed, The Principal Chronicles is the sort of book one keeps out on the coffee table to conveniently return to and savour again. - Ken Montgomery
Garlick has written a compilation of funny, honest and entertaining stories from his experience as an Ontario educator. A fun read that will have you smiling the entire time! - Alice Aspinall
I want to express my emotional delight in your writing. You weave your stories with compassion and empathy, allowing your readers to feel the emotions of all the people involved in your stories. To say I both laughed and cried is not an exaggeration, but an understatement. - Bonnie Chandler
Though it's been a long time since I've read Jean Kerr (Please Don't Eat the Daisies) or Erma Bombeck, I found Garlick's style heavily reminiscent of the two authors. The anthological layout is mostly happy and mostly bright. When it does get a bit heavy, it is with purpose and serves as a mere retelling than as a sermon... Despite being the memoir of an educator, The Principal Chronicles is a relatable read. You need not live in rural Amherstburg, Ontario to identify with that time of year when the mice come into the warmth of a building. The Principal Chronicles is a good read with a good flow and solid plot progression that would make a great gift for anyone in your life. - Tammy Dewhirst for Rabid Reader's Reviews.
David has captured the joys and trials of his school days, teaching and principal years in these whimsical short stories. His tales will make you smile, laugh and feel you heart warm up with every page. If you are a teacher, were a teacher, or know a teacher, this is a must read. I could not put it down.
- Kate for Amazon Reviews.
Highly recommend The Principal Chronicles. Garlick's stories are heartwarming and funny. You recognize characters in your family, your neighbourhood or workplace. I thoroughly enjoyed it. A good read for people of all ages! - Gisele Seguin
What a good book! The stories had me laughing hysterically in parts, particularly as I've been in many of these buildings and even know a few of the characters. A great read for anyone who works in a school or knows someone who works in a school. You will definitely find something (or many things) you can relate to. - Vickie Bastien
Have you ever wondered what the daily life of a principal can encompass? Wonder no longer. Retired Principal David Garlick has written an excellent book, The Principal Chronicles, to enlighten you about the mysterious world of the head of a school. He highlights numerous anecdotes, beginning with tales from his life as a student, and then as teacher and finally as principal. Through his light-hearted, well-written stories you can catch glimpses of the many challenges faced by the head of a school. And yet, he never complains - you can tell that he actually likes kids. Humorous, thought-provoking, it's an engaging read that leaves you thinking. - Madelyn Della Valle
Loved this collection of short stories! Some left me with a warm feeling in my heart, some made me laugh out loud, but each and every story was a joy to read. - Annie Rosella
A wonderful and fun read for all ages. The stories are genuine, funny and heart warming. I strongly recommend this book to any person that enjoys the bright side of life's little quirks. This is a book I can see myself picking up every year for a reread because it was just an all around joy from start to finish.
- Valerie Van Egmond
David... Wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on The Principal Chronicles. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've always appreciated you gentle humour and now, even more so. I love how you've put it to good use weaving your stories that had me laughing, smiling, questioning, and shaking my head with appreciation. I mean seriously, who knew there'd be weddings, killings, mental illness and so much more? Next time you come up, I'll have you sign my copy - but write something nice please; I plan to recommend it to all my weekend guests. - Nik Manojlovich, Weekend at the Cottage
I laughed, I cried and I smiled a bunch while I read this book. You're going to love this!... Such a wonderful collection of stories to read.
- Kim McKinley
Just purchased this great collection of short stories by David Garlick... His descriptions took me back to the 1970s and I felt like I was there with him... I laughed out loud several times and smiled throughout my reading of this book. I highly recommend this collection, not just for Prince of Wales and Forster alumni, but for anyone who wants to smile and laugh. - John Cockburn
This is on my Christmas list for any educator I know... It's something that should be in the hands of every educator this holiday season.
- Stephen Hurley, Hurley in the Morning, voicEd.ca.
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It had the greatest combination of humour, love, and heart. I loved the school stories and think that all educators and administrators can relate to them in some way. A binge-worthy read. I could not put this book down. A five star read that will bring you such joy! Read this book. - Aviva Dunsiger
I love it! I'm actually nearing the end. It's going to be one of those books that saddens me when I'm done reading. You'd better start writing book number two! - Linda Renaud Fisher
This is a wonderful book that speaks to the heart of all educators! Love your stories! - Anne Adamson
I highly recommend this heartwarming & hilarious book! As a future educator myself, I read this with a smile on my face, and loved every single short story Garlick added from his experience as an Ontario educator! - Mackenzie Mitchell
Great read. So may entertaining as well as heart-felt anecdotes! Loved the parallel experiences and beautiful story-telling.
