Reminiscent of David Sedaris—particularly in his dry humour and vignette-style storytelling—David Garlick’s The Principal Chronicles Two/Too/II/As Well delivers a series of humorous, semi-autobiographical sketches that he touts as being both fiction and non-fiction remembrances. A follow-up to his first collection, The Principal Chronicles, this second volume carries forward his sharp wit and warm nostalgia, proving that everyday moments can be some of the funniest and most meaningful of all. Garlick’s voice is wry, witty, and personable. Told in short, punchy chapters, his reflections breathe life into the ordinary events that shaped his journey—from boyhood through his decades-long career as teacher, vice principal, and principal. Organized chronologically, Garlick’s monographs are funny and captivating, with chapter titles that could easily double as cocktail hour one-liners. Examples include: “The Day My Mother Saved My Life,” “The Day My Brother Really Did Save My Life,” and “The Short but Profitable Career of Jeremy Blendick, Professional Insulter,” to name a few. But The Principal Chronicles Two/Too/II/As Well isn’t just about laughs. Garlick deftly weaves in moments that feel urgent and resonant today, such as in “Grade 9 Girls Don’t Need to Read That,” where he reflects on the archaic practice of banning books—ostensibly to “protect” students from so-called salacious authors like J.D. Salinger and Kurt Vonnegut. It’s a reminder that cycles of censorship—fractious and worrisome—have a way of resurfacing. Other teaching moments within Garlick’s mosaic of decades in education emphasize that the study of history is not about passive acceptance of what is, but rather, about reading and assessing the facts, and then asking questions. Indeed, The Principal Chronicles Two/Too/II/As Well is a treasure trove of the influences and influencers on Garlick’s life —from his youthful Western cowboy movie fantasies, to the impactful colleagues and leaders who crossed his path in his forty years as an educator. Garlick’s ability to connect with students, sharing personal anecdotes that fostered the idea that he was a “real person” that they could relate to, is a poignant reminder to parents and educators alike of the power of authenticity and nurturing bonds between generations. For those who enjoy the warm fuzzies of nostalgia, or who value and celebrate the miniscule moments of life that contribute to the singular and full-bodied package of who they’ve become, Garlick’s new book will resonate deeply. Warm, funny, and reflective, The Principal Chronicles Two/Too/II/As Well is both a celebration of memory and a reminder that the people and experiences in our lives shape us into the remarkable characters we are today. —CANREADS BOOK REVIEW