isirla's review
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Spoiler
The last teacher is the story of the literal last teacher that's left to teach the last few students at a school somewhere in the US after the whole world realizes that we can no longer reproduce, and that what we do give birth to isn't really alive but isn't really dead either.I just couldn't connect with the story. I'm all for a depressing plot with an even more depressing ending, but the end of mankind should have been hauntingly beautiful. Instead, it felt clunky, with a main character that felt more like a caricature than a person. The only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of just one is the class clown. He was the most interesting character in the whole story. There were lots of unanswered questions. And I realize that it's a story but I don't want the book I'm reading to feel so unbelievable that it takes me out of the story. I had to suspend my disbelief way too much to believe that's how we'd react if we knew we could no longer reproduce. Not an enjoyable read for me..<\spoiler>
rphalange's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It's okay, and I'm glad that I listened to this little audiobook first because the premise seems kinda......... ableist maybe?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
samdalefox's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Utterly enraging. I'm completely on the side of the 'villain' in the book, the headteacher. The reaslisation the teacher comes to, that I'm sure is meant to be the inspiring revelation and is the apex of the plot, that she should preach 'the children can be anything they want' is utterly wrong. Wrong morally and practically. The author goes to pains to paint a dystopian backdrop , it is perfectly reasonable and desirable to encourage the remaining humans of the human race to do what they love, want, and need WHILST recognising the very real limitations and challenges ahead of them. This is the healthiest way to approach it. This is what our generation desparately wants right now as we are facing a very similar prospect with the impending climate crisis. I cannot express how tone deaf this short story is. Completely unecessary, uninspiring, and downright dangerous rhetoric to believe in.
Spoiler
[the human race is going extinct]catra121's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. I'm coming to really appreciate good short stories and novellas these days and this one was really entertaining and kept me engaged from start to finish. I've never heard of this author or series...but I'm definitely going to look into more.
greenmind's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Short story - poignant and beautiful. Heartbreaking.
welkinvault's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
I downloaded this to see if I would enjoy this dystopian series. It was a fascinating premise; but there appeared to be no re-evaluation, no changes, as society was slowly collapsing.
As life disintegrated a highschool, with the last few students, would be at a standstill, teaching the same curriculum, with the same class layout, without updating anything for the current societal circumstances; with one treacher belatedly trying to change.
As life disintegrated a highschool, with the last few students, would be at a standstill, teaching the same curriculum, with the same class layout, without updating anything for the current societal circumstances; with one treacher belatedly trying to change.
bertturtel's review
5.0
Oh my where to start! This is a short story set in a VERY sad future.
It boils down to a reevaluation of the dreams of youth against the truth of the present.
This while the world collapses around you.
Fabulous writing and storytelling- really makes you think and appreciate your 'Now'.
It boils down to a reevaluation of the dreams of youth against the truth of the present.
This while the world collapses around you.
Fabulous writing and storytelling- really makes you think and appreciate your 'Now'.
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