Anna Katterjohn

Fans will appreciate Weiland's memoir, but there is not enough music juice to win over the casual reader. Those looking for a consideration of drug culture have already found Keith Richards's Life. Readers who sought out Weiland's ex-wife's memoir, Mary Forsberg Weiland's Fall to Pieces, will appreciate his own honest and loving treatment of their capricious relationship and the further insight into his life.

Mayer often addresses readers directly (e.g., "Nothing is exaggerated—every teacher can corroborate what I am about to tell you—so be prepared! Come—walk with me") and repetitively ends each chapter calling her student "a fighter—a winner—and my hero." Her effort to profile exceptional students within devastating socioeconomic conditions is important, but readers who work with youth have experienced more moving portraits. Recommended only for aspiring educators.