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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
As someone who grew up in the Pittsburgh suburbs as a regular viewer of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Fred Rogers has simply been a part of who I am. This biography at once transported me back to my childhood living room with the television tuned to PBS and revealed to me layers of a man so many people feel they knew well. And, because of his natural tendency to pure authenticity, we did. At the same time, there are layers to that Fred Rogers that only his family and close associates truly understood: his exacting nature, his lasting childlike spirit, his self-doubt. Based on King's close examination of Rogers's childhood, career, home life, and personal quirks, it becomes clear that he was the rarest of rarities: a man so committed to love and yet so uninterested in the approval of others. He was the very definition of meekness and, though not perfect, lived in such a way we could all aspire to. If we succeeded, the world would undoubtedly be a better place, full of care and laughter. King does a superb job of capturing the person and legacy of Fred Rogers.
I love Fred Rogers, but I did think this book for a little repetitive. It made me smile though.
Reading the book is very similar to watching the show. Actually I listened to Levar Burton read it. Best way and only way.
I really enjoyed this book much more than I expected and have found even more respect for the man I already appreciated so much.
This books also is a great example of the author mattering just as much as the subject of biography. I had recently finished "Cleopatra: A Life" which I only have 3 stars despite her having a much more exciting life and greater influence than Mr. Rodgers; yet, his biography received 5 stars.
This books also is a great example of the author mattering just as much as the subject of biography. I had recently finished "Cleopatra: A Life" which I only have 3 stars despite her having a much more exciting life and greater influence than Mr. Rodgers; yet, his biography received 5 stars.
Please do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook. It is narrated by LeVar Burton. LeVar has the perfect pacing and inflection to his voice. You can hear the love Mr. Burton has for the man whose story he is helping tell.
As for the biography itself, it is well written, spans many aspects of Fred Rogers, and shows what an amazing man Fred was. But most importantly, it allows us to see and feel how he truly impacted the lives around him.
I was a PBS Kid growing up, and loved Mr. Rogers (and LeVar Burton so the audio is a double nostalgic grab for me). I knew he was someone special, that he truly understood kids like me that he was talking to. But listening to this biography, I have a deeper and more meaningful understanding of just how smart and purposeful he was in everything he did. My love and respect for him has only grown and am proud to be showing his work to my daughter now. Fred Rogers' message and work will live on, because everything he did was with love.
As for the biography itself, it is well written, spans many aspects of Fred Rogers, and shows what an amazing man Fred was. But most importantly, it allows us to see and feel how he truly impacted the lives around him.
I was a PBS Kid growing up, and loved Mr. Rogers (and LeVar Burton so the audio is a double nostalgic grab for me). I knew he was someone special, that he truly understood kids like me that he was talking to. But listening to this biography, I have a deeper and more meaningful understanding of just how smart and purposeful he was in everything he did. My love and respect for him has only grown and am proud to be showing his work to my daughter now. Fred Rogers' message and work will live on, because everything he did was with love.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Fred Rogers was an amazing person, and this biography shows so much of his life in a thorough and kind way. Really interesting and worthwhile read.
5 stars for the subject matter. Two stars for the writing. And Lavar Burton reads it like he’s reading a picture book to a preschooler.
The audio book is read by Levar Burton. If this instantly summons up all your favorite childhood television memories, then this is probably a book you'll enjoy.
This is a slow, thoughtful biography, not at all dramatic, but apparently quite in keeping with Rogers' personality. And honestly, I would listen to Burton read literally anything. It probably isn't a book that would hold the attention of anyone who doesn't have fond memories of visiting with their television friend Mr. Rogers, but for those who do it's a nice reflective story.
This is a slow, thoughtful biography, not at all dramatic, but apparently quite in keeping with Rogers' personality. And honestly, I would listen to Burton read literally anything. It probably isn't a book that would hold the attention of anyone who doesn't have fond memories of visiting with their television friend Mr. Rogers, but for those who do it's a nice reflective story.
This is a review of the audiobook. LeVar Burton (of Reading Rainbow fame) reads the audiobook, need I say more? This book goes through Fred Roger's life story as well as his legacy and influence on several generations. By listening to this book you will learn about Roger's philosophy on children's development, how he created and ran Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, and who inspired Fred and his work. You will acquire so much knowledge about Roger's personal and professional life written in a really informative and engaging way, this is a must-listen!
The stories of Fred Rogers life are nothing short of inspirational. I mean this in the most robust way, not in the front-row-of-the-airport-bookstore-at-a-Bible-Belt-airport way. His choices, his rhythms--imperfect as they were--remind us of the spark of individuality available to all of us. My friend referred to the life of Fred as a tractor beam, pulling you into something deeper and more winsome than your normal life. You can feel that as you read this book.
The missing stars are simply the result of an inexperienced biography. The author wrote out of love for Fred Rogers, not necessarily out of a established skillset. Many of the stories and contexts are repeated, there's too much telling and not enough showing, and the editing was too sparse. The book would have carried a greater punch if it was about 20% shorter.
It's a testment to the power of Fred Rogers life that this book is as enjoyable as it is. I can only imagine what a more skilled biographer would have done with access to this material.
The missing stars are simply the result of an inexperienced biography. The author wrote out of love for Fred Rogers, not necessarily out of a established skillset. Many of the stories and contexts are repeated, there's too much telling and not enough showing, and the editing was too sparse. The book would have carried a greater punch if it was about 20% shorter.
It's a testment to the power of Fred Rogers life that this book is as enjoyable as it is. I can only imagine what a more skilled biographer would have done with access to this material.