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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
My opinion of this book is affected by a failure in my self-knowledge. I expected this to be a more narrative biography, but while it wasn't scholarly nonfiction, it was more nonfiction than narrative. I should have read it a chapter a day, but I read it straight through, and it was too dry to be my only read. It was a good biography, though it felt somewhat repetitive. I appreciate the insight into his childhood and personal life. I loved hearing about all the random people that he got to know and kept in touch with. I also really appreciated the detailed look at his goals and his philosophy. His legacy is undeniable.
I was borderline obsessed with Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a child, in fact, my mom always recalls that I would tell her that I wanted to watch “Rog”, as though I knew him personally enough to refer to him without his title or even his full name. My favorite episode of all time was the one where they see crayons being manufactured at a Crayola factory on the picture picture segment. Despite the show being a large part of my childhood, I knew very little about the man behind the show and the puppets. This biography highlights the full life of Fred Rogers, a man born into wealth, who had a challenging childhood with few friends, who proved to be a brilliant artist and who cared deeply about serving a role as an adult in childrens’ lives who listens and engages with them fully. His legacy in the realm of childhood television and the difference his family has and continues to make in the Greater Pittsburgh (PA) area is truly remarkable. Written by a professional in the philanthropic world in Pittsburgh, the book brings Fred Rogers’ international figure back ‘home’ to the scale of his hometown, and to the neighborhood on which he loosely based his television neighborhood. This book taught me a great deal and it made me cry. It was a lovely way to look back to my own childhood through the lens of a man I never met, but felt like I knew closely.
I really enjoyed this book and learning more about Fred Rogers. He was fascinating, very intelligent, hardworking, and dedicated to his mission. I didn't even know about his music and theology degrees. He wrote over 200 compositions and 14 operas. He was also fluent in French.
Most importantly, I loved his kindness and how he practiced it in his life. He absolutely lived his ideals, was generous, and by the end of his life, he was a minimalist, and I especially love that about him.
Most importantly, I loved his kindness and how he practiced it in his life. He absolutely lived his ideals, was generous, and by the end of his life, he was a minimalist, and I especially love that about him.
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Fred Rogers! My new answer to the question, "If you could have dinner with any celebrity living or dead, who would you choose?"
This book does a great job of presenting a balanced view of Mr. Rogers-- not brushing over his flaws but still trying to be true to who he really was. It is an EXTREMELY detailed and well-researched biography, possibly the best I've ever read.
I love reading biographies because you get to see, from a bird's eye view, someone's life being woven together. All of the pieces come together to make something beautiful; I'm always encouraged to look at my own life with this perspective: trusting that all of the seemingly random pieces will come together to make something whole and meaningful.
There were many moments that moved me to tears, in awe of the way he dedicated his life and creativity to the service of God and His people. I can't recommend this book enough. If you are looking to read something deep and inspiring, try this one.
This book does a great job of presenting a balanced view of Mr. Rogers-- not brushing over his flaws but still trying to be true to who he really was. It is an EXTREMELY detailed and well-researched biography, possibly the best I've ever read.
I love reading biographies because you get to see, from a bird's eye view, someone's life being woven together. All of the pieces come together to make something beautiful; I'm always encouraged to look at my own life with this perspective: trusting that all of the seemingly random pieces will come together to make something whole and meaningful.
There were many moments that moved me to tears, in awe of the way he dedicated his life and creativity to the service of God and His people. I can't recommend this book enough. If you are looking to read something deep and inspiring, try this one.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
This book is truly for the avid Mr. Rogers fan- it is very well researched, almost to a fault where tighter editing on the plethora of anecdotes and commentary from friends and Neighborhood actors and staff might have improved the narrative. I took many breaks (some of them months long) but I always came back. Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was a very important part of my childhood and sense of self. I’m glad I read this book.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
In a world where approx 40% of Americans worship at the alter of a truly terrible person it's nice to be reminded that good people do exist and to find someone who if you modeled your life on, that would improve the world.
Fred Rogers was endlessly kind, thoughtful, creative, and simple in his tastes. He would disagree but, Mr. Rogers may be the most Christ-like American to ever live and he (and this book) have inspired me to try to be better.
Fred Rogers was endlessly kind, thoughtful, creative, and simple in his tastes. He would disagree but, Mr. Rogers may be the most Christ-like American to ever live and he (and this book) have inspired me to try to be better.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced