LESSONS FROM MY TEACHERS by Sarah Ruhl contains numerous essays which provide a memoir of sorts covering the period "From Preschool to the Present." Ruhl, a prolific, talented writer and playwright, has been honored as a MacArthur genius, as a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, and with nominations for Tony Awards. Here, she reflects on the importance of teachers, citing those who impacted her, but also on the "teachable moments" that exist in all our lives. For example, Ruhl describes a conversation with theater students who stressed that "theater class was when they could feel and practice presence, that elixir of life; That well of possibility." Ruhl goes on to comment on the use of phones, saying, "the more technological tools we have, the more presence seems just out of reach." This insightful collection will prompt much discussion, especially amongst educators and those who value learning and the arts.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster publishing for a digital copy of this book.

In Lessons from my Teachers, acclaimed author and playwright Sarah Ruhl shares lessons she has learned from all of the teachers in her life. While there are many anecdotes given from her experiences with actual teachers within a classroom setting, Ruhl expands her concept by encouraging the reader to seek knowledge from everyone they are lucky enough to encounter in life. As shown in her collection of essays, important and lasting lessons can be gained from a limitless amount of sources, ranging from family members (parents, grandparents, spouses) to a cranky neighbor.

While there was nothing earth shattering or groundbreaking gleaned from the pages of this book, Ruhl’s writing style was engaging, and her stories were personal and full of heart. Her musings were insightful, and the essay format really lends itself to a quick and easy read. This book is suitable for any reader looking for inspiration in life, but plays particularly well to those with an interest in writing or playwriting, as the author has a wealth of experiences and influences within those fields.

This thoughtful collection of essays is both inspiring and deeply human. I read a few pieces each night before bed, and each one left me feeling grounded and reflective. Sarah Ruhl beautifully captures the quiet power of the teacher-student bond—not just in classrooms, but in everyday life. Whether she's writing about her children, her mentors, or her own journey as a teacher, her words are wise, tender, and full of grace. A lovely, meditative read to savor slowly.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, Simon Element, Marysue Rucci Books for gifting me the new nonfiction book by Sarah Ruhl, playwright and author of Smile. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Based on her popular class at Yale, this essay collection is a testament to the singular impact of teachers across every stage of our lives. Anchored in stories both personal and universal, drawing on Sarah’s experiences with her parents and children, with schoolteachers, creative influences, and beyond, Lessons from My Teachers offers an uplifting perspective on our basic human need to teach and learn from each other as we navigate the surprising paths that shape our lives.

Teaching can be a very thankless profession, especially today. This book offers short essays that will make you think and reflect upon all of those in your life who have made an impact. Maybe it will even cause you to write a note to that special person and let them know how they helped shape you or your children at a particular time. It also shows us that teachers take all forms in our lives, because we all have things to learn and things to teach others. We all need reminders to be grateful to those who help us along the way.

A thoughtful collection of essays about lessons the author has learned from the many teachers in her life, from friends and family to actual teachers to writers and more. It's sweet and sentimental and sad and funny, all rolled in one. I enjoyed the first third of the book, but the second two sections wore on me. There is some repetition and the theme gets a bit old. If you read an essay or two each day over a longer period of time the repetition and sameness of the essays might not be as big of a deal. All in all a nice book that would make a nice gift for the teachers in your life.

Sarah Ruhl shares with us the inspiring lessons she has learned from teachers who have inspired her.She shares the lessons she has learned and is still learning from these important people in her life.So beautifully written I loved spending time with this thoughtful book.#NetGalley #simonelement