Reader Reviews
Engaging Narrative Style
"Author Christine A. Yared recounts Crane's slow, humiliating persecution of a popular, highly regarded teacher…Yared, an attorney, helps the non-lawyer understand all the unjust, arguably illegal decisions made by a heartless school principal from the very start of these events to the point where they earned widespread press attention…The same impulses that led to this tragedy are still very much alive and not confined by zip code.”
Marcia Biederman
Author, The Disquieting Death of Emma Gill: Abortion, Death,
and Concealment in Victorian New England
Compassionate
"Written in a well-crafted documentary style with passion and compassion, Private Love, Public School…Yared demonstrates how we are all diminished whenever any one of us is demeaned, persecuted, scapegoated, and in the case of Gerry Crane—a beloved and highly talented teacher—also turned into a pariah by an ignorant and intolerant society...It is a must read for all educators and others who work to make the United States a more perfect union."
Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld
College of Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Very Moving Story!
"The book recounts the deeply moving and disturbing true story of Gerry Crane, a talented high school music teacher in west Michigan whose life took a tragic turn in the 1995-96 school year. Authored by Christine Yared, this book sheds light on the appalling events that unfolded when a midwestern community demanded the imposition of their religious beliefs on a public school, ultimately leading to the vilification and expulsion of a beloved teacher due to his sexual orientation.
The book skillfully captures the cultural and social landscape of the time, showcasing the intersection of religious beliefs, homophobia, and the legal environment. Yared's meticulous research and documentation through footnotes contribute to preserving Crane's story for future audiences and historians, urging readers to be voices for others and stand against discrimination.
The narrative is emotionally charged, revealing the toll on Crane's mental and physical health as he faced relentless pressure to resign. The tragic outcome of Crane's life, marked by a heart attack just six months after resigning, underscores the devastating impact of discrimination and hate.
"Private Love, Public School" serves as an important and touching account of a community's struggles against LGBTQ+ discrimination, offering insight into a dark chapter in history. Christine Yared's narrative not only honors Gerry Crane's memory but also contributes to the ongoing conversation about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, urging readers to recognize and confront injustice."
Zoe Lima
Amazon Reader Review
Beautifully Written
"I bought the book myself (I was not paid for this review and I do not know the author). The book was just the right length, not too short that you didn't fully get to understand the full background, entire drama and injustices that unfolded as well as what happened after. But it was also not too long that I wasn't able to finish, and of course I finished it in one day, it was captivating to me. Great book, and I hope this opens the eyes of others that choose to be blind to the injustices of the LGBTQ+ community and what they go through. And I hope it serves as a reminder that laws need to continue to be changed for the protection of anyone that is discriminated against based on their sex, race, or religion."
KM -- Amazon Reader Review
Improper Models, You Decide!
"What a GREAT read!!! As a person who lived through this story, the author did a fantastic job with the details and emotions.
Christine captures the devastating truth of how an incredible music teacher’s life was turned upside down because simply, he was gay.
Although I know the ending I held close hoping it would be different. (I won’t ruin it)
This book is for everyone!!! Students, parents, teachers, and all other walks of life!"
Tammy Lee -- Amazon Reader Review