Reminiscent of Mitch Albom and his phenomenal bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie: A journalist recalls how an encounter with the icon of kindne...
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Jan 02, 2008
Phayvanh
rated it: 
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 littl More...
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 littl More...
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Jun 04, 2008
Evelyn
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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 More...
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 More...
Sep 09, 2011
Dean
rated it:
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 jus More...
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 jus More...
Feb 24, 2011
Susan
rated it:
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 me More...
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 me More...
Jul 18, 2009
Rachel
rated it:
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 litt More...
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 litt More...
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Nov 19, 2009
Holly
rated it:
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 th More...
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 th More...
Feb 05, 2009
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
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Mar 20, 2008
Stephanie
rated it: 
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.
I have always loved Mr. Rogers and now I feel I know him just a bit better.
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Jun 05, 2010
Kristenyque
rated it:
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 co
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Feb 11, 2009
Mary
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This is a very moving account of a writer who became friends with Fred Rogers after he'd interviewed him for a profile. His account of the real-life Mister Rogers is one of a man of almost epic goodness and compassion. Rogers was a loving friend during some very difficult periods in the writer's life. It seems sort of petty to point out that the writing could be kind of mawkish and over done. But in the context of the story, it comes off as a genuine, with the vulnerability and immediacy of jour
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Feb 14, 2008
beanie
rated it:
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.
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Jan 31, 2010
Kym
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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 More...
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 More...
Apr 24, 2009
Roberta
rated it: 
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 s More...
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 s More...
Feb 08, 2010
Donna
rated it:
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 pur More...
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 pur More...
Feb 14, 2011
Ally
rated it:
I hate even trying to review this one - its just so impossible to put into words. Tim Madigan has given us a fantastic book that is as much about his own story as it is Fred Rogers, yet still gives us those glimpses of the real Fred Rogers (who was the same as the "Mister Rogers" we all saw on tv) that just mean so much to so many of us. One word that comes to mind about Mr. Rogers is authentic, and this book only confirms that further to me. I'm not sure what else to say about this
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Nov 06, 2008
Megan
rated it:
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 t
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Aug 26, 2008
Rachelle
rated it:
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 im
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Jun 26, 2008
Linda
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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 More...
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 More...
Aug 01, 2011
Gheeta
rated it:
What a healing book to read! I only put it down so that I could grab more tissues. If you have ever wondered at the importance of caring words and safe, listening ears the friendship found between the covers of this book is a true example of what can only be described as divine love. Tim Madigan shares memories from the depths of his despair, and the heights of joy...all through the lens of a remarkable journey into friendship that he and Fred Rogers nurtured. What a gift! What a blessing!
Feb 03, 2009
Saralyn
rated it:
I always felt an affinity to Mr. Rogers. I loved his show as a kid. I loved it as an adult. When I saw this book, I was interested to see what it would be about.
Tim Madigan has written a moving memoir about his friendship with Mr. Rogers. I feel grateful to Mr. Madigan for his candid portrayal of their friendship and his willingness to share such personal feelings. It's also wonderful to know that a child's belief in Mr. Rogers is not misplaced, but even rather inadequate. May we all More...
Tim Madigan has written a moving memoir about his friendship with Mr. Rogers. I feel grateful to Mr. Madigan for his candid portrayal of their friendship and his willingness to share such personal feelings. It's also wonderful to know that a child's belief in Mr. Rogers is not misplaced, but even rather inadequate. May we all More...
Sep 10, 2009
Hgdoman
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This was a book that made me stop and think. It made me want to be happier, more optimistic, a better person. I was so touched that I sent an e-mail to the author. He actually wrote a personal e-mail back to me.
I also ended up buying some of Fred Rogers' books. I never realized what a stellar individual Mr. Rogers was. He was always just the TV Mr. Rogers but he was a very warm, caring, thoughtful man - just like the man we saw on TV.
I highly recommend it!
I also ended up buying some of Fred Rogers' books. I never realized what a stellar individual Mr. Rogers was. He was always just the TV Mr. Rogers but he was a very warm, caring, thoughtful man - just like the man we saw on TV.
I highly recommend it!
Mar 31, 2008
Brookers
rated it:
I was a little hesitant to read this book. I love Mr. Rogers. And who doesn't? Was this book going to change my childhood perceptions of him? Was he really the kind of person that he seemed to be on the show? The answer to that is no. He was so much more. This book was incredibly inspiring to me. Tim Madigan's story of the unlikely and surprising friendship he developed with Fred Rogers shows that he was truly the amazing person that we all thought that he was. His unyielding faith helped guide
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Jan 25, 2009
Sharon
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My hero! I cried, loved reading this first person narrative. Loved catching real-life glimpses of the ordinary man who introduced quality children's programming on TV, a ministry of love and gutsy determination, to be sure. Tim Madigan's newspaper assignment to interview Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers began an extraordinary journey for him. Many thanks in my heart that Tim shared his life and his friendship with Fred Rogers, my hero!
Aug 09, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
This was a gift from my Mom, who warned me that Kleenex would be necessary, and she was right! It was completely worth it, even though I needed the Kleenex in potentially embarassing places like the lunchroom at work, on the bus...
I always enjoyed watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood when I was little, and this book showed what a genuine, kind, and loyal man he was. This is a book that makes you feel like being a better person.
I always enjoyed watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood when I was little, and this book showed what a genuine, kind, and loyal man he was. This is a book that makes you feel like being a better person.
Jan 03, 2009
Andy
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I loved reading about Tim's friendship with Mr. Rogers. At first I was fascinated by just how truly kind and generous Mr. Rogers was. However, about 1/3 of the way through, I felt it all became a bit redundant until Tim began talking about his brother's illness. I would recommend the book. It was a quick read and it is so interesting to read more about the guy we all watched on TV for years and years. I think there need to be many more people in the world like Mr. Rogers. God Bless him.
Dec 14, 2008
Kye Alfred Hillig
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I thought that this was a moving tribute to a beautiful man. Several times I was moved to tears while reading because of the kindness Fred Rogers was capable of. Reading it I thought to myself that this is the kind of person I want to be. Getting to be a fly on the wall for Mr.Rogers relationship with Tim Madigan was an honor. I'm so glad that this book was made but very sad that I never got to meet a hero like Fred Rogers.
Oct 23, 2011
Diane
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I really liked this book. It is a fast read and if you didn't know Mr. Rogers from his popular television series, you'd have a chance to meet him through this book. Tim Madigan writes as much about himself as he does Fred Rogers, but there are lessons to be learned from both men. The example of Mr. Rogers is worthy of emulation and I don't believe that you'll regret meeting him through this book.
Jun 20, 2010
Curtiss
rated it:
Madigan's writing drew me in on the first page. I didn't want to put the book down. Sometimes I grew tired of Madigan's story, because I wanted to get back to Mr. Rogers, and toward the end the unrelenting melancholy was a bit much, however, this is a jewel of a book. Do yourself a favor and read it. I am in love with Mr. Rogers, and in love with love from this book.
Apr 03, 2009
Patricia
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Disclaimer; I adore Mister Rodgers. As a child I was somewhat of an unlikely fan, being that I didn't care for anything that didn't move at turbo speed, but oh how I loved the calm and gentle grace of that sweet man. He was akin to a life coach for kids. I aspired to live up to his unconditional praise and felt so safe in his little neighborhood. I don't recommend this book for anyone but the unabashed fan as it could provoke spontaneous toothaches in the nonbelievers of his eternal goodness
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Dec 08, 2008
Kim
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I always enjoyed Fred Rogers and this is a book about his realationship with Tim Madigan, a journalist. When he met Fred his life was falling apart--this book is about how Fred helped him in the areas of "spirituality, marriage, depression, and the nature of true friendship". I have the audio--and I am looking foward to "reading it"
I have finished this book. This was a wonderful little book---had so much application to life--I am buying it for all of my kids.
I have finished this book. This was a wonderful little book---had so much application to life--I am buying it for all of my kids.
