Review of 18

[Sarah Schmidt]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "18" by Marta Obiols Llistar.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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18: An Unschooling Experience is a memoir written by Marta Obiols Llistar. Following her decision to remove her children from traditional schools and make a switch to homeschooling, it chronicles the factors that led up this decision, the difficulties in its undertaking, and the results of her experience.

Dissatisfied with the limitations and downsides of conventional schooling, Llistar resolves to take her children’s education into her own hands. Despite how intimidating this change seems, as well as the doubts voiced by the people around her, she feels that this is the best choice for her children, Jaume, Afrika, and Konji, to get a proper learning experience. She needs to prepare herself, though, as she is aware that a lot of effort is required on her part. This change in their lives brings about new struggles, but it also makes room for new experiences the family has never thought possible. Free to make their own schedules, Llistar and her children partake in a wide range of activities. From beginning to end, this book is an eye-opening walk-through of what to do when an institutionalized system just does not cut it.

It’s great when there is a high standard of writing in the book you’re reading, or, in the case of 18: An Unschooling Experience, it’s nice when you find only five errors. This small number and the general grammatical correctness of the book led me to assume that it has been professionally edited. There was no true profane content save for there being one or two minor curse words.

I remember laughing at the very first sentence. It wasn’t too hilarious, but it was the perfect start to a book focused on making sweet lemonade from sour lemons. Each chapter has a hook, with one of my favourites being, “Let’s start by taking the elephant out of the room.” Other elements of this book were similarly appealing, with even the tone being enough cause for a recommendation.

Apart from just relaying the experience that come with a daunting lifestyle change, Llistar also teaches valuable information about navigating an environment outside of education, such as her desire for her children to know about her native country, Catalunya. There were plenty of hacks and tips included too, and this book makes it easy for those with a budget or who are short on funds to replicate the process.

As for dislikes, I have none, as I could identify no shortcoming of this book. Everything was carried off quite nicely. I especially loved reading about how Llistar was so close to her children that she could objectively identify their failings and strengths. Her voice came through beautifully in her writing, and I liked her little book recommendations – her obvious favourite being those penned by John Holt – interspersed throughout the book.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Filled with teachable moments, relatable anecdotes, and communicated in a dually entertaining and enlightening manner, this book deserves all those four stars. I would recommend this book to parents who need a guide for the unschooling of their children or those who are interested in the difficulties they might face with this change. I would not issue a recommendation to readers who like nonfiction books focused on personal development.

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18
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[Tarie07]

It seems like quite an interesting read. I might give it a try. Thanks for the review.

[Mtibza eM]

I think this book will come quite handy. Thank you for sharing.

[Gabriella Smith]

This seems like a book worth the read for all parents to understand where the traditional school system is falling short so they can all make an informed decision regarding their child's education.

[Jakei Nirob]

This is a book that I read and understood that children do not have to worry about their parents, the book is written in such a way that everyone can understand everything well.

[Ridwan Yusuf]

This seems like a book worth the read for all parents to understand where the traditional school system is falling short so they can all make an informed decision regarding their child's education.

[Shane Beattie]

Being in education, I find that your review was thorough. I enjoyed the light take on public education and where it is going. Sadly, it isn't headed in the right direction, so the author sounds like she's experienced aspects of the school system that are all too relevant in today's society. I appreciate the review. I look forward to reading it.

[TONGJAL WUNGAKHA]

I imagine drafting a curriculum for three kids of different grade levels. Sarah, Did the author measure the success of this decision by, maybe, highlighting her children's progress in advance education; or they never enrolled in a formal education since after their mother's decision?

Your review makes the book more appealing, in addition to the wellness it seems to have. Well done Sarah!

[collinsogw555]

It is a common knowledge that charity begins at home. I really loved the way she pulled her children from the conventional schooling and decided to teach them. Great review

[collinsogw555]

It is a common knowledge that charity begins at home. I really loved the way she pulled her children from the conventional schooling and decided to teach them. Great review

[Theana De lima Araujo]

Given that my parents recently started homeschooling my little sister...maybe this would be a good choice for them. Thank you for the well-written review.