About the Book
Set during the aftermath of the Vietnam war era. In and out of the city Of Philadelphia between the years 1974-75, Taking the Short Bus -Teacher, I Need You- is a comedy/drama/ historical fiction /coming of age about eighteen-year-old Eric Blum’s trials and tribulations from dyslexia and an emotional breakdown after his brother was killed in Vietnam in 1969. His anticipation from graduating from Noah Webster Preparatory, a school in the suburbs of Cheltenham Pennsylvania for special needs. Only if he can prove to the school authorities and his psychologist -Dr Goldman- that he is emotionally, and academically capable to file back into society.
To prove himself, Eric finds after school jobs whether as an usher at a movie theater, spinning records at local dances for a locally famous disc-jockey or working with the changeover crew at the Philadelphia Spectrum.
Eric finds himself madly in love with his history teacher - Carol Schor- Willing to leave his family and friends for her. Things get too close for comfort. Carol tries to explain numerous of times that she sees him on only two ways, as a teacher and as a close friend outside of school.
For those who had taken that short yellow school bus to school, have no reason the be tormented or ashamed.
This book is for those who remember that short yellow school bus, whether you rode on it or made fun of those who traveled on it. Private schools don’t always agree with the philosophies of public schools or the excuse of ADD or ADHD but accept the fact that some people just think outside of the box, no matter what color or size school bus they travel on. And those children who tormented them should realize thoes children weren’t retarded.
The book tells the story of 18-year-old Eric Blum, a student at the Noah Webster Preparatory, who suffered from dyslexia and an emotional breakdown following the death of his brother in Vietnam. Eric endeavors to prove to the school that he is qualified to graduate and take the SAT exam for collage. The plot turns as Eric falls in love with his history teacher, Carol Schor.
“Well first of all, if the Philly school system would have helped me from the start instead of pushing me through, I would never be in this mess.”
“Every time somebody asks us about Vietnam, it awakens the nightmare we been trying to forget.”
“Do you know who are the real victims of this war, Doc? Not the dead soldiers. They’re just our heroes. We are the victims of the Vietnam war. The living. Waiting forever for our brothers and sisters to come home.”
“Why do teachers have to discipline students to begin with? That’s not what I’m paid for! I didn’t spend close to ten thousand dollars of my hard-earned money, twenty years of schooling, and waiting on tables to be a truant officer.”
“Eric! Do you remember the beginning of the school year
when we first met? With all my credentials you asked me what
I was doing at this one-horse school?
Yeah?
The answer is quite clear. Call it divine intervention if you
wish, but I think I was sent here to help you get out, and to
move one.”
“for without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared with joy that is unclaimed.”
