E.R. Braithwaite was born 1922 in British Guiana and educated in British Guiana and the United States. He served in the R.A.F. His publications include To Sir with Love (1959); Paid Servant: A Report About Welfare Work in London (1962); A Kind of Home-coming: A Visit to Africa (1963); A Choice of Straws (1965).
The book in one sentence: A man who takes up a teaching post and teaches his students about overcoming racial prejudice.
Who would you recommend it to: Someone who is looking for a good old-fashioned feel-good read.
OK bits: I like the inspirational true story of this book.
Boring bits: The beginning was a bit dull, but it picked up when he started teaching his class.
Random review quote:
“A book that the reader devours quickly, ponders slowly, and forgets not at all… Moving and inspiring” – New York Times
Verdict: I did not realise To Sir, With Love is actually a true story, or a book in the first place! I saw the movie a few months ago and I enjoyed it. The book is as good as the movie, though I could have said the book is better if I read it first before watching the movie. A good read nonetheless! Pretty quick too as it’s a slim book.
The Literary Pursuit 
Apr 07, 2009 @ 05:06:59
this book was one of my favorties in the whole wide wold
nylusmilk: i can see why, it’s a really heartwarming story.
Apr 11, 2009 @ 16:34:11
I didn’t know it was a novel! 😳 I saw the film six times, and while some aspects are a little dated, now, it had a profound effect on me. While I may not agree with all of “Sir’s” rules, the story shows how each of us deserves dignity and respect. Must read now!
nylusmilk: hehe, you too huh? yeah, he’s a little stiff and old-fashioned to me (like calling the girls ‘miss’ but just their surnames for the boys) but he’s a good man at heart. he writes beautifully too.
May 24, 2011 @ 03:56:37
I like your book it tells me enough about the relation between a student and a teacher how it should be.
Jun 10, 2011 @ 23:43:22
wonderful book.with good bits and bytes.a must read book
Jul 04, 2011 @ 07:00:51
I saw this movie as a young girl and fell for Sidney Poitier. I have seen it numerous times and I still enjoy it. I became a teacher and often try have that kind of profound effect on my students. I still am mad about Sidney.
Aug 17, 2011 @ 03:26:49
Having been privileged to meet and spend some time with E. R. Braithwaite here
in Washington, D.C., I can say without hesitation or doubt that actor Sidney Poitier
was indebted to the author not only for a brilliant book/script, but also for a clear representation of character and mannerisms upon which, as actor, he could draw.
“To Sir With Love” is a finely crafted work.
Since Braithwaite has lived in Washington’s Cleveland Park so many years, I think he should be considered a Washington writer along with George Pelecanos and others who write explicitly about the capital city.
Oct 01, 2012 @ 12:26:06
OMG!! I didn’t know this was a real story! But still, it was very touching and it touched my heart. 🙂
Apr 16, 2016 @ 03:03:59
An absorbing read indeed, enjoyed by my learners in the throes of post-apartheid South Africa. Only strong characters can go through E.R’s ordeals and emerge triumphant!