Tim Gunn

February 23, 2015
Gunn (Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible) shifts from providing fashion commentary to making an appealing and passionate paean to teaching and mentoring. Along with glimpses behind the scenes of his various reality TV series, including "Project Runway" and "Under the Gunn," Gunn offers separate sections dedicated to the five key factors he feels define outstanding educators: truth-telling, empathy, asking, cheerleading, and hoping for the bestânot coincidentally, the acronym is "teach." He skillfully explores each topic, drawing examples from his own career as an educator at Parsons School of Design, his therapy sessions, and his experiences as both a student and teacher. Gunn also liberally sprinkles in other people's tales of teachers who have profoundly influenced their lives. He frequently imparts "life assignments," where he challenges readers to apply the lessons to themselves. For fun, Gunn includes a chapter on notable films that deal with teaching and learning. His empathetic tone encourages educators and students alike to listen to his sensible, time-tested advice, and his frank advice makes clear that he's learned many of the lessons he's imparting through tough trial and error. Gunn's unique view of the world and genuine desire to help others are apparent on every page of this must-read.

March 1, 2015

Gunn's television oeuvre--including Project Runway and Under the Gunn--made him a household name, but his longtime experience as an educator is what made him so great at his job. In a chatty style, Gunn, with coauthor Calhoun (they previously collaborated on Gunn's Golden Rules and Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible), details how he revitalized the fashion curriculum at Parsons The New School for Design (not without ruffling more than a few feathers) and how important it is to do right by one's students. The book is loosely organized around Gunn's T.E.A.C.H. philosophy--truth telling, empathy, asking, cheerleading, and hoping for the best--and includes anecdotes from the author's life and the aforementioned shows in detailing the differences between teaching and mentoring and the importance of honesty while doing either. Interspersed throughout are vignettes from fans about their most inspiring teachers. It's wonderfully gossipy at times (e.g., when discussing why he doesn't expect Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour ever to invite him to the annual Met Gala), and whether relaying memories of Project Runway or what he's learned in his career, Gunn's warmth, wit, and wisdom shine through. VERDICT Though it is useful for self-helpers and teachers/mentors, those who love Gunn's TV shows and readers interested in the fashion industry will most enjoy this lovely book. [See "Editors' Spring Picks," LJ 2/15/15, p. 33.]--Amanda Mastrull, Library Journal

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.