Grace Teacher Brian Platzer Publishes New Novel

Congratulations to Grace teacher and alum Brian Platzer ’95 on the publication of his latest novel, The Optimists. On Tuesday, February 24—undeterred by the 20 inches of snow left by the latest blizzard—nearly 500 Grace alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff filled the Great Hall at Cooper Union to celebrate Brian’s accomplishment and the shared endeavor of teaching and learning that defines our community.
Inspired by former Grace teacher Rod Keating, The Optimists is “...a love story, a joke book, and a meditation on the meaning of life and death. But mostly it’s a fiercely original novel for anyone who has ever had a teacher or student profoundly affect their life” (Hachette Book Group).

Following an introduction from Sarah Jessica Parker, Booker Prize judge (2025) and the force behind publishing house SJP Lit, Brian spoke with Head of School Robbie Pennoyer about the ideas and true story behind The Optimists, read passages from the book, and reflected on legacy, teaching, and what we owe to the teachers and students who shape us.
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Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for over 800 students in junior kindergarten through twelfth grade.