High school English teacher Mark Kaurlin--like many young people in the late '60s--is rebellious and idealistic, and he strongly inspires the student devotees drawn to him. He has such an impact on insecure, indecisive Madelyn Judson that she develops an unrequited crush on him that nonetheless threatens his career.             Excerpt "Madelyn," Mark said, pacing to the middle of the living room. "We both have to second guess our fathers' points of view, just like the civil rights marchers and anti-war protestors are second-guessing the status quo that they are challenging. Just because they're authorities doesn't mean they're always right. Just because it's the way we think doesn't mean it's the way we should keep thinking."

Professional Reviews
A New Teacher, A New LIfe
by Alyssa Feller, reviewer for YABooksCentral.com.

"Kaurlin's Disciples": A story about discovering your true self...both young and old will root for Madelyn (the protagonist) as she searches for her place in life.

The late 1960s: a time of chaos, discovery, hope and fear. The country rages with the Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement, and the Beatles. With the landing of a man on the moon, the whole world feels like it is expanding infinitely. Life is a different story for Madelyn Judson. Daughter of Bradshaw’s prominent mayor, she has spent her entire life under her father’s ruling thumb. Disgusted with her submission and inability to do anything to stand up to her father, Madelyn’s life is full of painful emotions and turmoil. Unable to decide her direction in life, Madelyn is about to give up hope… that is until she meets Mark Kaurlin. Kaurlin is the newest English teacher at Bradshaw High. Fresh out of college and full of new ideas, he helps Madelyn discover a self-confidence she never knew she had. Quickly developing a crush on the charismatic teacher, Madelyn is surprised when Kaurlin quickly rebuffs her feelings for him. Although she no longer has a crush on the teacher, she still feels drawn to him. As the school year wears on, Kaurlin has more and more of an effect on his new students. He soon develops a group of student followers, or “disciples,” not only including Madelyn, but the daughter of the most influential person in the school district. As more and more tension build between Kaurlin and the school administration over this new group, Madelyn must summon her strength to save not only her confidence, but Mr. Kaurlin’s job. With an interesting plot and a unique writing style, Kaurlin’s Disciples is more than enough to keep readers entertained. END $e




Four Stars
Reviewed by novelist/playwright, Joyce K. Walsh (3/8/2006)

"Kaurlin's Disciples" captures the dramatic tension of 1960s’America between the younger generation’s idealism and the entrenched generation’s status quo. Using the familiar setting of a classroom to explore these themes, author DeCicco’s story evokes all the emotions of a teenage woman caught between her first love—a rebellious teacher—and the repressive authority of the school superintendent, the mayor, and even her own father. Through this conflict, Madelyn’s journey towards womanhood and independence is portrayed with insight and genuine feeling.

Reader Reviews for "Kaurlin's Disciples"

Reviewed by John Domino	12/12/2008
This looks interesting. I remember the 60's quite well!

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