The Dumbest Generation by Mark Bauerlain (2008, Hardcover)

I first checked it out of the library because if it was a quick read, I did not want to pay for it. Well, after reading the introduction, I was thrilled to find that Bauerlein's writing style packed so much punch in the desciptive words that he used. His points were right on target, with no wishy-washy, or "on the other hand" types of statements. I can't wait to read it at leisure.

well recommended .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The topic and title intrigued me, so I was really looking forward to getting the book. I had read a review in USA Today, which was generally positive. Also, I'm a school teacher, so any reports on the status of our young people is important to me.

Unfortunately, the book did not live up to its great title. I found the book kind of dry--report after report, statistic after statistic. Granted, some of the information was kind of shocking and even useful. But most of it seemed repetitive.

But my biggest complaint was that the author seemed so biased that he sometimes forced the statistics to fit his opinion. I was waiting for some special data that would just "blow me away." The book never did that. I found myself shrugging and saying to myself, "Well, maybe" or "I don't know."

All in all, I am glad I got the book and read it. But, I have to say that it doesn't rank above average.