I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers

I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers

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4.12 of 5 stars 4.12  ·  rating details  ·  551 ratings  ·  170 reviews
Reminiscent of Mitch Albom and his phenomenal bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie: A journalist recalls how an encounter with the icon of kindness led to a wondrous, life-changing friendship.

It was 1995 when the Fort Worth Star-Telegram assigned Tim Madigan to write a profile of children�s television icon Fred Rogers. This fortuitous interview sparked a magnificent friendshi

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Hardcover, 208 pages
Published August 8th 2006 by Gotham
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Tim Madigan
Jul 13, 2012 Tim Madigan rated it 5 of 5 stars  ·  (Review from the author)  ·  review of another edition
I think it's great, but I'm biased. I wrote it.
Jennifer
This book found me at the right time in my life. I was struggling with being a stay-at-home mom to a child with special needs. I started sobbing from the first sentence all the way to the last. It is a beautiful story about two very special people. Mr. Rogers's attitude toward life helped pull me out of my dark tunnel and learn to be grateful for all the beauty around me. Whenever I am feeling especially beaten down by my life, I reread this book for a while and I feel much better.

I always loved...more
Phayvanh
Jan 02, 2008 Phayvanh rated it 4 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: spiritual seekers
As a kid, I never enjoyed the Mr. Rogers show. It moved too slowly and wasn't exciting enough--too goody-goody. Which is too bad, because as an adult, I know how important it is for children to watch nourishing television more than mindless drivel (ditto for adults, too).

I found this at my neighborhood bookstore and was rapt within the first few paragraphs of the page I was reading, so wrought with emotion, I practically cried while standing there "browsing". I was little embarrassed by it and d...more
Evelyn FIGEROID
This was not the light-weight little book I expected. It was profoundly moving. It shows so much of what made Mr. Rogers such a special human being. He knew how to connect with other people in a meaniful, life changing way. The book contains many notes exchanged between the author and Mr.
Rogers. These notes cover many topics such as friendship and love, faith, recovery, and loss and grief. The author discusses honestly his marriage, his relationship with his father, and the death of his brother...more
Mediaman
This is one fantastic book that is filled with heart, soul and spirit, so much so that I literally cried my way through it. It's really not about Fred Rogers but about the author's journey and the impact Rogers' correspondence had on him. Though the writer only met Rogers a few times in person, for some reason (which never gets fully explained) the TV host took up a regular correspondence. Mr. Rogers comes across as saintly and wise, compared to Mother Teresa at one point. One does wish that the...more
Jennifer
I really was unsure what to expect when I picked up this book. Even as I read it, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. On the one hand, I'm Proud of You is a poignant heartwarming and spiritual look at the friendship of two men, one of them the author, Tim Madigan, and one of them the famous "Mr. Rogers." On the other hand, it's a bit sappy.

Perhaps because Mr. Rogers is such an icon in America from his long-running children's television series, when I first picked up this book I thought it would b...more
Bethany
This wonderful book was sent to me by a friend who is currently going through a Mister Rogers phase. She told me that he used to sign his letters IPOY (I'm proud of you), but she couldn't just tell me why, she had to send me the book. I read this in a day on a beach in Hawaii, crying every few pages. The author's friendship with Fred Rogers is not some sort of celebrity show-and-tell but rather something very real, very personal, and very deep. I was moved by the troubles that haunted Madigan, w...more
Dean Anderson
Have you ever heard anyone say, "It's not very good, but I think kids will like it"? It might be a book, a play, a TV show or a movie. Perhaps you've said it. Because, you know, the kids haven't seen Citizen Kane, so they'll be satisfied with Prince Puppy Pooper V. As long as there are bright colors and loud sounds, they'll like it, right?
Kids' entertainment is assumed to be a few rungs down on the quality scale, and it's assumed that those who produce entertainment for kids just couldn't cut i...more
Susan O'Bryant
I knew that Mister Rogers was a nice man. His warmth and adoration of children was very apparent on his show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which I grew up watching and loving (and I bet you did, too).

But author Tim Madigan, who wrote articles for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, had the opportunity to interview Mr. Rogers, and then as a result they became very close friends. This book describes the "almost unbearable" sweetness of Mr. Rogers and how he took his show and its message very seriously,...more
Rachel Bird
When I bought this I didn't know Fred Rogers was Mr. Rogers from Mr. Rogers' Neighbhorhood. I didn't know anything about Mr. Rogers except that my mom couldn't stand his show and that there was a rumor going around that he'd had a dishonorable discharge from the military. I wish I'd known sooner what a beautiful human being he was.

Tim Madigan is a journalist who had the good fortune of interviewing Mr. Rogers years ago. That interview blossomed into a lifelong friendship. There is little more be...more
Holly
I laughed and I cried... but I mostly cried.

I read this book because Mr. Rogers was one of my favorite TV shows growing up. I felt close to the TV show host when I was little. Now after learning Child Psychology I see how wonderful that show was.

This book talks a lot about Tim Madigan's life and about some of the things that were going on that were horrible and wonderful in his life during the time that he knew Fred Rogers. His close friend, Mr. Rogers, helped share in these things and makes sev...more
Bookmarks Magazine

The title of this memoir derives from Tim Madigan's request to Mister Rogers: "Will you be proud of me?" Rogers said yes, of course, and thanked Madigan for "offering so much of yourself to me." Although I'm Proud of You could have fallen into Hallmark treacle, it instead compassionately recounts the spiritual friendship that developed between the two men and offers a portrait of Rogers's exemplary character. Especially poignant are Madigan's recounting of his personal visits with Rogers and his

...more
Stephanie
Mar 20, 2008 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: men
Recommended to Stephanie by: one book one community selection for 2008
I did not fly through this book as I did last year's one book one community selection. I found the book easy to put down and hard to pick back up, but, BUT once I did pick it back up I enjoyed it. I think this years selection will be a good book for men to read. It is about male friendship and support.

I have always loved Mr. Rogers and now I feel I know him just a bit better.
Dave
Jul 28, 2012 Dave rated it 5 of 5 stars  ·  review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone
Recommended to Dave by: Jeff Shepherd
WOW! What a tremendously uplifting book!! And what an other-focused person Fred Rogers was!!! We all need a "Fred Rogers" in our lives, but I also realize I should be a "Fred" to those around me. I definitely need to change my mindset and start genuinely offering "IPOY" to others.
Julie
I am so glad that I stumbled upon this little book while at the library. I thought that it would be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. I wasn't prepared for the deeply moving and thought provoking moments so lovingly written. Fred Rogers was truly one of the unique people of the world that had no desire to be like "everyone else" but to be his best self and loving and uplifting all those within his sphere of influence. Tim Madigan, the author, skillfully and genuinely opens his heart about hi...more
Annicka Borges
I would have really liked to give this book 5 stars, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
I have been enamored with Mr. Rogers since childhood, I used to watch his show, and have spent much of my adult life learning about him as a person.
This was an insightful look into the kind of man he was: kind, gentle, thoughful, and considered everyone his friend. It gave a fairly decent picture of who Fred Rogers is.
That being said, while I can appreciate the spiritual journey the author travelled,...more
Kristenyque
There were times this book became a bit grating but over all I think that there a lot of clear insights that the life of Fred Rogers can lend to us. If you read this book taking note of the things that Fred Rogers does to be a friend or a "brother" to people you realize the strength of his life. I think that the slow addition of each act of kindness and each kind word weighs so heavily in summation that it is saintly. Mr. Rogers is often frustratingly hokey but I think that his continued good w...more
Bridgette
May 09, 2012 Bridgette rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone!!!
I remember being 8 years old, waking up, and going into my parents' room one morning. My mom had the TV on and told me that Mr. Rogers had died. It was a sad morning, even though I don't remember much else about it. I always loved Mr. Rogers; his soft-spoken and heartfelt messages were particularly appealing. I'm glad that i picked up this book (which I did in part because the cover reminded me of "Tuesdays with Morrie"). I recommended this book to my mom, because she is also a fan of this wonde...more
Theresa
This is a powerful story of a friendship that developed between the author and Mr. Rogers. I have recommended this to a few friends. What I especially enjoy about the book is that it reveals Fred Rogers to be exactly who he seemed to be. In today's world of reality shows and political fallout and drama, it is beautiful to recognize a person who seems to be a person of integrity show himself to be exactly that. In spite of his busy schedule, Rogers makes an effort to be wholly present wherever he...more
beanie
A moving account of the impact of encouragement in friendship. We should hope to have at least one friendship like this. Be prepared with tissues.
Lucille Zimmerman
My friend Becky recommended this to me. I trust her word because she is an author of over 40 books herself. Plus we share the same taste in books.
I almost didn't buy this but then got the audio version off of Amazon.

I drove around for weeks, listening, and dabbing my eyes. I had no idea this is what Mister Rogers was really like. By the time you finish the reader understands why some put Mister Rogers in the category of saint.

No other book has come close to describing the healing experience I...more
Kym
Became a big fan of Mr. Rogers once I was older, I remember tearing up when he died because my friends' kids would not have the opportunity to know him! Found it at school and grabbed it, have not put it down for long so far....

My house is a mess, and I am out of tissues, but I finished the book and am glad. I have always valued the friends God has put in my life, this book is a testimony to the value of good friends. Although the beginning did not seem to "flow" well, it all came together in a...more
Roberta
This was equally as sappy as "Tuesdays with Morrie" if not more so. There were some chapters where Mr. Rogers is mentioned only incidentally and the story focuses on Tim's own relationship with his dying brother. The saving grace is that you gotta love Fred Rogers, especially if you're a Pittsburgher.

I learned a couple really interesting words:

South African word UBUNTU meaning "I am because we are". Fred's explanation is that "my idenity is such that it includes you. I would be a very different...more
Peyton
There were many points that felt overly sappy to me. The author, an award-winning journalist, is a good writer, but the subject matter was probably a little too close to his heart and involved a lot of very sad events in his life—the near breakup of his marriage, the death of his younger brother. There were times it was a bit too preachy, and I felt he quoted a bit too extensively from Rogers's correspondence to the detriment of the narrative.

But overall I was overwhelmed with what an amazing, C...more
Stacy
I really enjoyed this. That said, I think that Madigan was a little self-indulgent, and one large chunk of the book really doesn't involve Fred Rogers much at all.
It is Tim Madigan's memoir as his life intersected with Fred Rogers.
That's okay, but I was much more interested in his insights into Rogers than his self reflection.

If anyone does know of a suitable (and available) biography of Fred Rogers, I would love to read it. My daughter wanted to do him for a book report on a person who made an...more
Donna
I only wish that there were more stars to give a title! This one was a wonderful book about friendship and the bond between friends can bring healing through the difficult times in our lives.

Fred Rogers was a gentle and faith-filled man who was able to bring out the best in those that he met. The author, Tim Madigan, began a journey with Mr. Rogers just as an interview with a TV personality and they became fast friends.

Wonderfully written and one that I will have to purchase and keep for another...more
Karla


I checked this book out from the library on April 11, 2012, after hearing a mention of the book on a PBS documentary entitled Mister Rogers and Me. I loved watching the show Mr Rogers Neighborhood growing up and was always a little star struck by the fact that my own Father had met Fred Rogers because of his director position on the board of the Southern Illinois public television station.
After reading several chapters of the book, I was saddened by the side story of the author's brother's bat...more
Megan
Nov 06, 2008 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone
Recommended to Megan by: Leslie
First of all, I love Mr. Rogers and grew up watching his show on PBS. His voice alone can make me feel so at peace. As I have grown and learned more about him, I have learned and think him to be one of the best men this world has seen. He was eternally wise and never lost sight of children and how they need to be loved and cared for. I will never forget watching his acceptance speech for a lifetime acheivement award years ago and asking the audience to take a minute to remember "those that loved...more
Rachelle
I don't really know how to rate this book about the famous Mister Rogers. Sometimes I loved it and sometimes I thought it was just a little too much - I think just depending on my mood. I really think Mr. Rogers is an incredible man and my admiration for him has really grown. He was "in touch with the eternal" and his goodness was evident in all of his relationships. I think the biggest thing I took from it was his absolute attention to whoever he was with. He was a celebrity and I imagine a pr...more
Linda
Jun 26, 2008 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone
I thought this was a marvelous book...full of love and wisdom. The Mr Rogers on TV was authentic, in fact, more engaging when relating to adults. He took each person as he found them, encouraged and loved them, and gave them permission to be themselves, while almost unconsciously calling them to become their best possible selves.
In the moments when it seemed painfully poignant and almost too lovely to be real, I realized my discomfort came from our human defense of shielding ourselves somew...m...more
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I'm Proud of You: Life Lessons from My Friend Fred Rogers (Paperback)
I'm Proud of You (Paperback)
I'm Proud of You [Unabridged] (Audio CD)
I'm Proud of You (MP3 Book)
I'm Proud of You ;My friendship with Fred Rogers

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“But the Esquire passage I found most poignant and revealing was this one: Mister Rogers' visit to a teenage boy severely afflicted with cerebral palsy and terrible anger. One of the boys' few consolations in life, Junod wrote, was watching Mister Rogers Neighborhood.

'At first, the boy was made very nervous by the thought that Mister Rogers was visiting him. He was so nervous, in fact, that when Mister Rogers did visit, he got mad at himself and began hating himself and hitting himself, and his mother had to take him to another room and talk to him. Mister Rogers didn't leave, though. He wanted something from the boy, and Mister Rogers never leaves when he wants something from somebody. He just waited patiently, and when the boy came back, Mister Rogers talked to him, and then he made his request. He said, 'I would like you to do something for me. Would you do something for me?' On his computer, the boy answered yes, of course, he would do anything for Mister Rogers, so then Mister Rogers said: I would like you to pray for me. Will you pray for me?' And now the boy didn't know how to respond. He was thunderstruck... because nobody had ever asked him for something like that, ever. The boy had always been prayed for. The boy had always been the object of prayer, and now he was being asked to pray for Mister Rogers, and although at first he didn't know how to do it, he said he would, he said he'd try, and ever since then he keeps Mister Rogers in his prayers and doesn't talk about wanting to die anymore, because he figures if Mister Rogers likes him, that must mean that God likes him, too.

As for Mister Rogers himself... he doesn't look at the story the same way the boy did or I did. In fact, when Mister Rogers first told me the story, I complimented him on being smart - for knowing that asking the boy for his prayers would make the boy feel better about himself - and Mister Rogers responded by looking at me first with puzzlement and then with surprise. 'Oh heavens no, Tom! I didn't ask him for his prayers for him; I asked for me. I asked him because I think that anyone who has gone through challenges like that must be very close to God. I asked him because I wanted his intercession.”
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