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adamrshields's review against another edition
5.0
Short Review: This is the best memoir I have read in a while. I was, of course, a fan of Veggie Tales before picking up the book. But Phil Vischer's story of the rise and fall of Veggie Tales and his own strengths and weaknesses that lead to that rise and fall and how our blindness to ambition (and mixing ambition with a perceived calling from God) make this book worth reading. The last quarter of the book moves from straight memoir to what he has learned through the process and that is worth the price of the book. Occasionally I think the story of Big Idea got a little too technical and nitty-gritty, but part of that was necessary to give a full picture of what was going on. This a book that is worth reading if you are an entrepreneur and want to read it as a straight business book. But it is also well worth reading as a meditation on vocation or a memoir of spiritual growth. I really wasn't expecting to be as impressed with the book as I was.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/bob-true-story-god-dreams-talking-vegetables-phil-vischer/
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/bob-true-story-god-dreams-talking-vegetables-phil-vischer/
gjones19's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who grew up watching VeggieTales, this book was fascinating! I didn’t know anything about VeggieTale’s origin story, and I also didn’t know anything about the collapse of Big Idea. This was a well written and fascinating story!
sqeeker's review against another edition
5.0
- I am a HUGE fan of VeggieTales, and I just had to pick this up. I'm so glad that I did!!
- The introduction is wonderful! I loved the book from page one. It was actually from the first sentence.
- I loved learning more about a show I have enjoyed since I was a teenager. There were a few insights to some of the shows that were really fun and interesting.
- Phil Vischer is one hilarious guy! I laughed out loud a lot! Even though it was a funny book, it was a really heart-felt book too. I laughed and cried.
- I read this book a little slower cause I wanted to really soak in everything!
- Vischer's story is an awesome one! If you are a Christian, a VeggieTales fan, or whatever, this is a must read for you!! The ending was a bit sad, but it was very uplifting. Vischer's message of dreams and God is one everyone should hear or read.
- I don't really know what more to say about this book. You have to just read it for yourself. I'm a bit blown away.
- I LOVE VEGGIETALES!
- The introduction is wonderful! I loved the book from page one. It was actually from the first sentence.
- I loved learning more about a show I have enjoyed since I was a teenager. There were a few insights to some of the shows that were really fun and interesting.
- Phil Vischer is one hilarious guy! I laughed out loud a lot! Even though it was a funny book, it was a really heart-felt book too. I laughed and cried.
- I read this book a little slower cause I wanted to really soak in everything!
- Vischer's story is an awesome one! If you are a Christian, a VeggieTales fan, or whatever, this is a must read for you!! The ending was a bit sad, but it was very uplifting. Vischer's message of dreams and God is one everyone should hear or read.
- I don't really know what more to say about this book. You have to just read it for yourself. I'm a bit blown away.
- I LOVE VEGGIETALES!
lemeilleurs's review against another edition
3.0
Like many Christian kids if my generation, I grew up watching VeggieTales on VHS, and eventually, DVD. Still to this day I love the quirky characters and resonating message behind each cartoon. When I first saw this book, I immediately picked it up, solely because Bob the Tomato was on the cover. Although the book was nothing like I was expecting, it couldn't have been more inspiring and uplifting. Me, Myself and Bob is a deep, honest testimonial of a failed dream in the hands of God. As Christians, it is sometimes hard to understand when God lets bad things happen to us, but Phil Vischer explains things in such a way to strengthen your faith. While much of the book can be helpful for those with a business plan, it can also be applied to a more broad group of people - anyone with a dream. Vischer's words were inspiring and helpful yet amusing and entertaining, all the while bringing memories of my childhood and a video series I love so much into play.
stephlapreal's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
While it got a little technical in the animating part of his story (which I found fascinating but I know most people would be too confused to enjoy it), this story was written with confidence, humor (naturally) and brutal honesty. Anyone who grow up watching and singing along with Bob and Larry should give this book a read. Better yet, you should listen to it! Afterall, Bob the Tomato reads it himself, and that alone is a hoot.
sarahdeborah11's review against another edition
5.0
A quietly funny tale of failure and God. Along to way Phil drops nuggets of faith that hit deep, especially towards the end of the book. The ending made me tear up.
egbella's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I can look at Veggietales with a whole new perspective after this book.
Now firstly, Veggietales is my childhood. I grew up watching their films and listening to their music, and I remember wishing often that Bob and Larry were real (as awesome as Larry was/is, I'll admit Bob has always been my favorite, haha). As I've gotten older, I've only appreciated and respected their content more. The morals, unashamed teaching of Christianity, clever humor, silly songs...I'm convinced that it's not only for kids, but maybe even more beneficial for adults!
That is, the classic Veggietales. The Netflix version (with the new animation, squeaky voices, and watered-down messages) is almost physically painful to me. I wondered what had happened to Big Idea, and after reading this book, it all makes sense.
While Phil is sometimes a tad wordier than is needed (though I'm one to talk...) and I skimmed over some of the 'numbers' sections, I found his story fascinating. In fact, I binge-read it in one day. The origins and dream that caused him to start Big Idea/Veggietales, the quick growth of the company, the internal struggles of both Phil and the company, and the ultimate downfall were all new to me. I had no idea that any of that had gone on while I was simply enjoying their movies. The part I found most beneficial however was the very end chapters, where Phil talked about 'what he has learned' (you know you want to sing it).
As someone who has a lot of 'dreams' and is all too prone to rationalizing my full steam ahead approach toward those dreams with, "well, they're for God's glory!", I needed Phil's reminders and insights. Just because we may be able to do something, and that thing may be good, it doesn't mean it's the right thing. God's plans are not often the same as ours, and unless we're fully dependent on Him, we may rush ahead in the wrong directions. I greatly appreciated Phil's honesty and humility in admitting how he'd gone wrong in his pursuit of his huge dreams, and his advice for helping others - especially young people - from repeating his mistakes.
In short, I'm very glad I read this book, both for the backstory on my favorite childhood 'fandom', and for the much-needed lessons on walking step by step with the Lord as we seek to do big things.
Now firstly, Veggietales is my childhood. I grew up watching their films and listening to their music, and I remember wishing often that Bob and Larry were real (as awesome as Larry was/is, I'll admit Bob has always been my favorite, haha). As I've gotten older, I've only appreciated and respected their content more. The morals, unashamed teaching of Christianity, clever humor, silly songs...I'm convinced that it's not only for kids, but maybe even more beneficial for adults!
That is, the classic Veggietales. The Netflix version (with the new animation, squeaky voices, and watered-down messages) is almost physically painful to me. I wondered what had happened to Big Idea, and after reading this book, it all makes sense.
While Phil is sometimes a tad wordier than is needed (though I'm one to talk...) and I skimmed over some of the 'numbers' sections, I found his story fascinating. In fact, I binge-read it in one day. The origins and dream that caused him to start Big Idea/Veggietales, the quick growth of the company, the internal struggles of both Phil and the company, and the ultimate downfall were all new to me. I had no idea that any of that had gone on while I was simply enjoying their movies. The part I found most beneficial however was the very end chapters, where Phil talked about 'what he has learned' (you know you want to sing it).
As someone who has a lot of 'dreams' and is all too prone to rationalizing my full steam ahead approach toward those dreams with, "well, they're for God's glory!", I needed Phil's reminders and insights. Just because we may be able to do something, and that thing may be good, it doesn't mean it's the right thing. God's plans are not often the same as ours, and unless we're fully dependent on Him, we may rush ahead in the wrong directions. I greatly appreciated Phil's honesty and humility in admitting how he'd gone wrong in his pursuit of his huge dreams, and his advice for helping others - especially young people - from repeating his mistakes.
In short, I'm very glad I read this book, both for the backstory on my favorite childhood 'fandom', and for the much-needed lessons on walking step by step with the Lord as we seek to do big things.
celenac's review
4.0
I really thank the author, Phil, for sharing his journey of forming Big Idea and VeggieTales with us. This book is a great story filled with lessons about creating and sustaining not only a healthy relationship with God, but also a successful business/company.
I only watched VeggieTales a couple of times when I was little and was never invested in the series, so I thought the beginning of the book was a bit slow when Phil was talking about the process of creating the characters. I also was not too interested when he was describing the certain animation and software tools he used. Already knowing how the VeggieTales characters look and move did help me understand Phil a bit better when he was talking about using physics to animate "bouncing balls" and needing to find objects to animate that could look "simple," "smooth," and "squishy." Despite me preferring a shorter beginning, Phil's detailed recollections of his childhood and journey to storytelling and animating really showed me that he is a passionate creator.
Like I mentioned above, Phil's story contains some great lessons (in my opinion). I really liked Phil's realization about the difference between living for God and living with God. I also liked the lessons he learned when he was trying to build and manage his company, Big Idea (e.g. To build a successful company there must be solid company values from the start, employees who all agree and believe in the company's mission and values, diverse teams with both creative and "financial" players, etc.).
I thought Phil's comments about Disney and his admiration for Walt Disney ran very naturally through the book. I especially love the moment when Phil realized that he had been obsessively aiming to be like Walt throughout his animation career. I thought that that realization moment towards the end of the book was very raw and genuine. Thanks to Phil, I now know more about Disney and am an even bigger Walt Disney fan than I was before (I am truly so marveled at how Walt Disney created such a long-lasting, influential company).
I only watched VeggieTales a couple of times when I was little and was never invested in the series, so I thought the beginning of the book was a bit slow when Phil was talking about the process of creating the characters. I also was not too interested when he was describing the certain animation and software tools he used. Already knowing how the VeggieTales characters look and move did help me understand Phil a bit better when he was talking about using physics to animate "bouncing balls" and needing to find objects to animate that could look "simple," "smooth," and "squishy." Despite me preferring a shorter beginning, Phil's detailed recollections of his childhood and journey to storytelling and animating really showed me that he is a passionate creator.
Like I mentioned above, Phil's story contains some great lessons (in my opinion). I really liked Phil's realization about the difference between living for God and living with God. I also liked the lessons he learned when he was trying to build and manage his company, Big Idea (e.g. To build a successful company there must be solid company values from the start, employees who all agree and believe in the company's mission and values, diverse teams with both creative and "financial" players, etc.).
I thought Phil's comments about Disney and his admiration for Walt Disney ran very naturally through the book. I especially love the moment when Phil realized that he had been obsessively aiming to be like Walt throughout his animation career. I thought that that realization moment towards the end of the book was very raw and genuine. Thanks to Phil, I now know more about Disney and am an even bigger Walt Disney fan than I was before (I am truly so marveled at how Walt Disney created such a long-lasting, influential company).
stephaniebooks's review against another edition
5.0
As a child of the VeggieTale generation, this is a fascinating look inside the man and the company who created it. Vischer's insights into his own life, his parents marriage and his business are invaluable, never mind the fact that it is hilarious.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to go into business, but especially those who are looking to run a Christianity-based business.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to go into business, but especially those who are looking to run a Christianity-based business.