In a Common Hour

'Walker is a teacher herself and, boy, does this novel ring true.' -The Sydney Morning HeraldSometimes the most important lessons are learnt at lunchtimeParks State High is a melting pot of misfits. There is Oliver Fish, the teen philosopher hiding a secret relationship; Dev Desai, hopelessly in love with the brilliant Maryam Fadel; and a staffroom thick with gossip, camaraderie and burnt-out teachers. At the centre of it all is well-loved teacher Paul Bush. But when a disgruntled student makes a devastating move - one lunchtime is all it takes for Bushie's life to change forever.With a cast of unforgettable characters, In a Common Hour is a smart, funny and wise novel that shows us all the ways we are connected.PRAISE FOR IN A COMMON HOUR'electric and assured.' -Qantas Magazine'Sita Walker's20 years as a high school literature teacher flavours every page of her terrific new book,In a Common Hour.' -The Herald Sun'In a Common Hour is a hope-filled masterpiece about contemporary high school classrooms and the people that inhabit them.' -Gabbie Stroud, author of Teacher and The Things that Matter Most'I read this in a gulp. In a Common Hourmarks the arrival of a major new talent. Sita Walker makes me fall in love with reading all over again.'-Nikki Gemmell, author of Wing'Walker's novel is unputdownable. I was charmed, moved, and so sorry to close the covers.'-Sharlene Allsopp, author of The Great Undoing'The full emotional force of Walker's well-plotted tale arrives in the final chapter, offering an ending that is empathetic to both students and teachers, and ultimately optimistic.' -Books+Publishing