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marinaemoore's review against another edition
3.0
Dr. Clemmons has certainly lived a fascinating life and I very much enjoyed reading his story.
I did find this book to really dive heavily into the minutiae throughout, which made it a little boring at times and often, it felt quite repetitive.
His time spent with Fred Rodgers isn’t discussed until about 60% in, so for anyone hoping to read a book heavily centered around Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood, this is not that.
I did find this book to really dive heavily into the minutiae throughout, which made it a little boring at times and often, it felt quite repetitive.
His time spent with Fred Rodgers isn’t discussed until about 60% in, so for anyone hoping to read a book heavily centered around Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood, this is not that.
bargainsleuth's review
3.0
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.
Okay, to be honest, I ;never remember Officer Clemmons from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, so I was coming at this with no knowledge of the character Clemmons played. I thought that it wouldn't matter, but I never really got engaged with the book. The author's life was interesting, dealing with issues about overcoming the odds due to racism and sexuality, but the writing was just okay. It was not compelling reading despite the hefty topics covered. .I wish I had glowing things to say about this book, but it left me feeling flat instead of uplifted.
Okay, to be honest, I ;never remember Officer Clemmons from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, so I was coming at this with no knowledge of the character Clemmons played. I thought that it wouldn't matter, but I never really got engaged with the book. The author's life was interesting, dealing with issues about overcoming the odds due to racism and sexuality, but the writing was just okay. It was not compelling reading despite the hefty topics covered. .I wish I had glowing things to say about this book, but it left me feeling flat instead of uplifted.
lovenecy's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This book was a refreshing read. It was uncomfortable at times but it was really inspiring to see yhe man behind the mask.
shirleytupperfreeman's review
Reading this made me want to go back and watch all the Mr. Roger's Neighborhood shows - especially the ones featuring Officer Clemmons. Dr. Clemmons tells his amazing story in a very forthright manner. He describes a difficult young childhood in backwater Mississippi, migration to Youngstown, OH, increasing family challenges requiring him to move in with other people, his singing ability and scholarship to Oberlin college and his long musical career which included a 30 year stint as Officer Clemmons on Mr. Roger's show. Clemmons is Black and gay and was growing up at a time when that was incredibly challenging. He describes his growing awareness of his sexuality and how that influenced his career and personal choices. We are all better for the fact that Fred Rogers and Francois Clemmons chose to share their talents with the world.
abethel's review
4.0
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher as an employee of Page 2 Books in Burien, WA.
"Officer Clemmons" offers a unique perspective on Mister Rogers that needs to be heard!
"Officer Clemmons" offers a unique perspective on Mister Rogers that needs to be heard!
rachaelarsenault's review
emotional
informative
slow-paced
4.0
I always find memoirs hard to review, because what do you say about someone else's life? With Officer Clemmons, I think I'll sum it up in a few points:
- I appreciated the ways this book explored Clemmons experiences as a gay man and a black man throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.
- It was interesting what presence/influence/role recognizable historical figures had in Clemmons' life, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- I wish we had learned more about his relationship with Nicky in later years. Are they still together? Did they ever get married?
- The prose was functional but very simple. Definitely accessible to a wide range of readers, but sometimes felt a bit lacking.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend checking it out.