“A coming-of-age novel that tackles alienation, misguided hopes, and addiction, making the tale perfect for those who enjoy satire and darker humor.”
Equal parts disturbing and humorous, Developing Minds offers a brutally honest look at the American public school system and the extreme measures many teachers take to cope with working in it.
The story follows 24-year-old Luke Entelechy, an aspiring writer who sees his creative output suffer when he begins teaching at one of Miami’s most challenging, dysfunctional middle schools. As he struggles with alienation and addiction on the margins, Luke begins to relate to the neglect and abuse his students suffer.
Faced with a “haunting” decision, Luke must choose whether to continue letting his dark past destroy him, or rise above the struggle to realize his potential as an artist and a “real” human being.
Institutional Recognition & Accolades
In recognition of its cultural and literary significance, Developing Minds has been selected for permanent preservation in the national collections of the Library of Congress (LCCN: 2019937723) and is indexed globally within university and academic research archives through Gale’s Contemporary Authors.
- 🏆 #1 Amazon Best Seller (Satire and Urban Life categories)
- 🏆 Stargazer Literary Prizes (2015) — 1st Place Winner (Visionary and Metaphysical Fiction)
- 🏆 Florida Authors & Publishers Association President’s Awards (2016) — Bronze Medal Winner (Adult eBook)
Editorial Praise & Critical Reviews
“Inspired by his own travels, screenwriter and author LaPoma’s narrative is raw and edgy, effectively anchored by two protagonists whose brio and ‘same sense of adventure’ keep the story alive . . . Entertaining and authentic look at the troubled American educational system, courtesy of two men propelled by perseverance and adventuresome spirits.”
“Should be required reading for anyone who is considering or has ever considered teaching as a career . . . most highly recommended.”
“Conversations are raw, turgid, and right on the money, and just when the reader feels this is all comedy, Jonathan waxes poetic – and the change is seamless. This is brilliant writing from a very promising new author. He is one to watch.”
— Grady Harp, Hall of Fame and Top 100 Amazon Reviewer
“This book is incredibly raw . . . about as far removed from ‘Dead Poets Society’ as you can get.”
— Gem L Thompson, The Book Eaters
“Poignant, engaging . . . a frighteningly accurate depiction of inner-city schools . . . a full-bodied work of fiction that will ring true with both students and teachers and provide a point of hope in an industry that has become increasingly profit-minded and complex.”
“Incredibly artistic . . . The vast majority of college grads will relate with themes of alienation, addiction, and misguided hopes . . . Filled with drama and drugs, this novel is raw and endearing. It teeters on the edge of obscene, but really stays true to the life of an early 20-year old, amidst the drama and guise of self-discovery.”
— San Francisco Book Review
“Not for the faint of heart, Developing Minds will either have you furiously flipping the pages or fearfully enrolling your kids in home school.”
— Will’s Weekend Wrap-Up, NoiseTrade
