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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I'm sure that most people who care enough about Fred Rogers to read this biography can tell their own story of how his program and words have helped chart the course for their lives. I won't go into great detail, but suffice it to say that I grew up watching him daily, and that his example continues to inspire me today in my career and relationships with people.
I truly appreciated this book. It was skillfully written, and did so much to humanize (in the best ways possible) a man who to many seemed too good to be true. He grew up in a remarkably affluent family. The cynically-minded would dismiss him on that basis, with the objection that of course he could be so noble--he could afford to be. While I will allow that his background did clear away many of the imperatives of surviving and making do, his choice to give his life in service to children says a lot for him. He could have enjoyed the family fortune and amassed yet more. He could have used his impressive composing and performing skills to parlay worldwide fame as a classical artist. He chose to live simply, seriously, and out of real love and kindness.
Despite the many advantages of his upbringing, he was an only child in the early years, and plagued with sickness that confined him to his room for long days. This isolation formed the seedbed for his fertile imagination and work with puppets. This, and the fact that he was bullied, led to his compassion for children. I think that by showing kindness to other children, he was healing the child within himself. Of course, his whole family was supportive, particularly his mother and grandparents. Of these, the story of his grandfather was very touching, the man who didn't have any preconceived demands for Fred--he cemented in his mind the idea that he made life special for those around him, just by being himself.
It made Mr. Rogers seem more real to learn of his self-doubt, his anxiety, as well as his keen sense of humor that came out when the time was right. Though he lived a scrupulously moral life, he could laugh with and embrace those who were salt-of-the-earth types.
Though I grew up with Mr. Rogers, I never understood the depth of research and study that went into every word and image he put before children. With Dr. McFarland, he combed through the tiniest details and crafted shows that were masterpieces in early childhood education, social and emotional as well as cognitive. I was also intrigued to learn how unyielding he was in the core convictions of helping children without any sort of deception or exploitation. The integrity with which he pursued his life's calling is most inspiring.
I could go on and on about the things I learned that made me appreciate Mr. Rogers even more after reading this book. But suffice it to say, his knack of calling forth and appreciating the best in people is something I want to cultivate more and more.
I truly appreciated this book. It was skillfully written, and did so much to humanize (in the best ways possible) a man who to many seemed too good to be true. He grew up in a remarkably affluent family. The cynically-minded would dismiss him on that basis, with the objection that of course he could be so noble--he could afford to be. While I will allow that his background did clear away many of the imperatives of surviving and making do, his choice to give his life in service to children says a lot for him. He could have enjoyed the family fortune and amassed yet more. He could have used his impressive composing and performing skills to parlay worldwide fame as a classical artist. He chose to live simply, seriously, and out of real love and kindness.
Despite the many advantages of his upbringing, he was an only child in the early years, and plagued with sickness that confined him to his room for long days. This isolation formed the seedbed for his fertile imagination and work with puppets. This, and the fact that he was bullied, led to his compassion for children. I think that by showing kindness to other children, he was healing the child within himself. Of course, his whole family was supportive, particularly his mother and grandparents. Of these, the story of his grandfather was very touching, the man who didn't have any preconceived demands for Fred--he cemented in his mind the idea that he made life special for those around him, just by being himself.
It made Mr. Rogers seem more real to learn of his self-doubt, his anxiety, as well as his keen sense of humor that came out when the time was right. Though he lived a scrupulously moral life, he could laugh with and embrace those who were salt-of-the-earth types.
Though I grew up with Mr. Rogers, I never understood the depth of research and study that went into every word and image he put before children. With Dr. McFarland, he combed through the tiniest details and crafted shows that were masterpieces in early childhood education, social and emotional as well as cognitive. I was also intrigued to learn how unyielding he was in the core convictions of helping children without any sort of deception or exploitation. The integrity with which he pursued his life's calling is most inspiring.
I could go on and on about the things I learned that made me appreciate Mr. Rogers even more after reading this book. But suffice it to say, his knack of calling forth and appreciating the best in people is something I want to cultivate more and more.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
More like 3.5 stars, but rounding up to 4 because the audio was so wonderfully done!
There were a few very slow moving and more boring chapters, some details that probably weren't necessary to the story, but this book was so nostalgic and wonderful. Mr. Rogers was an integral part of my childhood, so learning about his upbringing and how much of himself he put into making the show perfect was very sweet. And finding out that real-life Fred Rogers was exactly like the Mr Rogers I watched on tv as a child warmed my heart. Listening to his story narrated by Lavar Burton of Reading Rainbow made it that much better. The world needs more people like Fred Rogers.
There were a few very slow moving and more boring chapters, some details that probably weren't necessary to the story, but this book was so nostalgic and wonderful. Mr. Rogers was an integral part of my childhood, so learning about his upbringing and how much of himself he put into making the show perfect was very sweet. And finding out that real-life Fred Rogers was exactly like the Mr Rogers I watched on tv as a child warmed my heart. Listening to his story narrated by Lavar Burton of Reading Rainbow made it that much better. The world needs more people like Fred Rogers.
So much to learn from this caring man. What an interesting man who impacted so many people.
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Wow if only all men could be as emotionally competent as Fred Rogers the world would be a much better place.
This book fully acknowledges that part of Rogers success is due to the wealth of his family and the opportunities this afforded him and I appreciate that. Regardless, Fred Rogers went on to do amazing things because of his values and beliefs.
I feel like this was not well written. I enjoy learning about Fred Roger’s life. But, I felt it was more of a laundry list of his life. I was personally looking for the events of his life and him as a person. I didn’t find it in this book.
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
While it was fun to learn about Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers' Neighborbood, I felt like the book repeated itself a lot and there were some anecdotes that didn't always fit with the flow of the book.
I'm not sure yet what rating to give this book. I greatly enjoyed the content after the first three chapters. The writing was extremely repetitive. I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook narrated by Levar Burton. His narration was awesome! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys biographies and/or wants to know more about Fred Rogers. It left me wanting to do a better job of being kind to others on a daily basis.