Title: Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor
Author: Lynda Barry
First published October 21, 2014
200 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781770461611 (ISBN10: 1770461612)
Rating: 4.37
Overview
Lynda Barry’s Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor is an inspiring tale of how a simple notebook can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and creative expression. Starting from her time as a student at The Evergreen State College, Barry shares how her teacher, Marilyn Frasca, introduced her to the art of using pen and paper to navigate through her past, present, and the mysterious “image world.” Over the course of 40 years, Barry has honed her skills and developed a unique approach to teaching others how to use writing and drawing as a means of achieving a certain state of mind.
The book is a collection of musings from her notebooks during the early years of teaching this practice at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Join Barry on a journey of self-discovery and learn how to unlock your creativity through the simple act of putting pen to paper.
About the Author
Lynda Barry, an accomplished cartoonist and writer, is widely recognized for her popular comic strip, Ernie Pook’s Comeek.
Editoral Review
Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor is a unique book written by Lynda Barry, an American cartoonist, author, and teacher. First published on October 21, 2014, the book is a compilation of Barry’s notes, drawings, and assignments from her years of teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The book falls under the genre of creative non-fiction with a mix of memoir, self-help, and art. Barry’s style is distinctive and playful, full of colorful drawings and handwritten notes.
The book’s themes revolve around creativity, memory, and the power of art.
In Syllabus, Barry takes us through her classes and shares her teaching methods, which are unconventional yet highly effective. The book is structured like a syllabus, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of her class.
From doodling to writing to storytelling, Barry encourages her students to tap into their creative potential and explore their inner selves.
The main characters in the book are the students who attend Barry’s class, along with Barry herself. The setting is the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Barry has been teaching for over a decade.
The conflicts are mainly internal, as the students struggle with their self-doubt and fear of failure.
The book has significant cultural and historical significance, as it offers a unique perspective on the education system and the importance of creativity. It also highlights the struggles of students in the current era, where the pressure to succeed academically is higher than ever.
Barry’s writing is witty and insightful, and her drawings add an extra layer of depth to the book. The pacing is steady, and the structure is well-organized, making it easy for the reader to follow along.
The themes of creativity and self-discovery are universal and relatable, making the book appealing to a wide range of readers.
One of the book’s strengths is the way Barry encourages her students to embrace their mistakes and learn from them. She emphasizes the importance of process over product and encourages her students to enjoy the journey of creating, rather than focusing solely on the end result.
However, one limitation of the book is that it may not be as helpful to readers who are not interested in art or creative writing. While the book offers valuable insights into the creative process, it may not be as applicable to readers who are pursuing other fields.
Overall, Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor is a delightful and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on education and the importance of creativity. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in art, writing, or self-discovery.
Based on my overall impression, I would give the book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
