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You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success

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In the tradition of Dick Van Dyke's Keep Moving and Dan Rather's Rather Outspoken, Today co-anchor Al Roker presents a humorous collection of essays based on lessons for living a happy life and achieving success through the power of saying "yes!"


From America's favorite weather man, Today co-anchor, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade host Al Roker comes a funny and shrewd look at his career so far, what he's learned, and what's yet to come.

In his first-ever series of essays, Al details his childhood in Brooklyn and Queens and his start on a local channel in Syracuse while still in college, before making the move back to his NYC hometown and prime-time weather casting. Al's trademark good humor and keen reportage have made him one of the country's most trusted faces on television, but in this book, Al gives readers an all-access pass to his life beyond the screen. From co-parenting with his award-winning journalist wife, Deborah Roberts, and starting up his own production company, to his latest stint on Broadway in Waitress, Al has built up a wealth of knowledge and guidance. He has plenty to say about the good times and the bad; being mentored by Willard Scott; what he's learned from working with news legends from Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel to contemporaries like Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Lester Holt; and moments where he held his tongue--and wishes he hadn't.


A 13-time Emmy winner and New York Times bestselling author, Al knows how to tell a good story. This behind-the-scenes look at a career in the media, filled with missteps and successes, will leave you laughing out loud--and inspired.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2020

114 people are currently reading
458 people want to read

About the author

Al Roker

24 books132 followers
Al Roker is an American weather forecaster, journalist, television personality, actor, and author. He is the current weather anchor on NBC's Today.

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5 stars
181 (27%)
4 stars
277 (42%)
3 stars
165 (25%)
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26 (3%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Gretchen Rubin.
Author 44 books139k followers
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September 9, 2020
I love aphorisms, so I loved the organization of this book by "ALtruisms"—lessons for career and life that Al Roker has learned along the way. So many great insights.
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,600 reviews96 followers
October 2, 2020
Loved this book! Mr. Roker's insights and wisdom's were poetically communicated. The author's authenticity shines through. This book contains brilliant life lessons for "new adults". Mr. Roker is honest, humble and encouraging. This book is a delightful read at any age!
Profile Image for Ha Nguyet Linh.
97 reviews181 followers
November 23, 2020
Light reading and easy to lol. I’m a fan of lowkey jokes and anecdotes like those in this book. I don’t know how much he’s better in person but Al seems to be down to earth and kind in words.
Profile Image for Sue King.
459 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2021
Filled with tidbits of wisdoms gained from a life as a TV weather person, this is just what you’d expect from Al Roker.
Profile Image for Meredith.
26 reviews
June 19, 2024
The sarcasm and overdramatizion of the audiobook narration made it almost unlistenable.
Profile Image for Kaitlin Flint.
3 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2021
This book was a great first read of the new year! Al Roker shares his career journey from his college experience to the present and the advice he receives along the way from important mentors and friends in his life.
Profile Image for Bernadette.
Author 1 book20 followers
October 16, 2021
Al Roker's personality comes through in every sentence in this delightful book. He's funny, hard-working, embarrassed, honest, sometimes serious, wise and engaging storyteller. He dizzingly connects wide-ranging anecdotes from 40 years as a TV weatherman into each chapter focusing on a helpful life/career message. He had me laughing out loud with hilarious stories of on-air mishaps, meeting famous people and dealing with the public as The Today's Show's weatherman and now co-anchor. Such a fun read I didn't even realize how much positive, helpful advice I was absorbing.
Profile Image for Ann Otto.
Author 1 book41 followers
December 19, 2021
Roker's memoir gives amusing and educational stories about his experiences from youth to the present. His ALtruisms are helpful, especially for those still in career mode, but also for life in general.
Profile Image for Jane Dennish.
1,451 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2021
This was a 3.5 star read for me. It was very quick! I finished it in about two hours! If you like Al Roker on The Today Show, you will probably enjoy this book! I learned a lot more about his professional life and how he worked his way up to The Today Show! Of course, it includes the self deprecating humor we know to expect from Al!

The parts that I found to be the most interesting were when he talked about a time he experienced racism from a co-worker on air. He handled it with humor to get through the live disbelief, but explained how it was addressed off air as well. The other part I enjoyed was the beginning where he talked about his belief in NOT making a five year plan because then you can enjoy the unexpected moments. This made me think about how I had made a list of places to visit and things to do in 10 years ( I had just turned 40) and then BAM, the pandemic hit and everything came to a stop. I was disappointed that my time line was drastically altered but I enjoyed my time with my husband and it made me appreciate my time with extended family even more!

Thank you to Hachette Books for the gifted copy #HBSocialClub
313 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2021
In this book, Al Roker gives work advice about a number of topics. His level headedness and good humor make this a truly enjoyable read. I laughed out loud on quite a few occasions. Some of the chapters weren't as interesting to me but overall a good easy read.
Profile Image for Chris.
76 reviews
August 10, 2020
This book is a light easy read. It is a little bit memoir and a little bit advice from Al. You can hear his voice as you read and it’s almost as if he’s giving you the guidance and wisdom that has come from 40 years of work and live TV. It’s uplifting and cheerful and perfect for the times we are in. It’s motivational and delivers lighthearted examples to spur you along. Here’s hoping that a look back at Al’s career is in the works with the same light hearted story telling.
Profile Image for Darrah.
301 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2020
As someone who worked in television news for the better part of 15 years, I can say with confidence that “You Look So Much Better Better (or Different) in Person” is a phrase you get used to as an on-air personality. For women, it’s typically comments about your hair. I also had two on-air pregnancies (and went live until the day before I went to the hospital to give birth). People feel entitled to plenty of opinions!

I read this book over a weekend (thanks to Netgalley for the ARC) as we traveled through my old reporting stomping grounds in north central West Virginia on the way to our favorite mountain spot. I feel particularly fond of Al Roker. When I was in journalism school (at Marshall University) Roker came to speak at a fundraiser. I can’t remember what the fundraiser was, but I somehow convinced my mom to pay way too much money and attend the event with me. Roker’s flight had somehow been scheduled for Charleston, South Carolina rather than Charleston, West Virginia, so he was late, and you could tell he was a bit unhappy about it. However, he turned on that t.v. charm and worked the room graciously. This makes so much more sense after reading the book!

Back in my high school/college days, my ultimate goal was to be on the Today Show. I mean, it’s pretty much the goal of anyone remotely interested in television news. I’ve read countless memoirs and backstories on how the big shot journalists got to where they are. I know how much work it takes to get there. (One of my former colleagues in WV is a reporter for the Today Show now!) Heck, it took a ton of work just to have the privilege of working in my own hometown!

Each chapter is set up as an “Altruism” Al’s quintessential Al-ness is on every page and in every story. He’s totally authentic. I think that’s a huge reason he’s been so successful. Roker credits coming into that authenticity early in his career to Willard Scott. Yup, the one and only.
I really enjoyed hearing about how Scott became a mentor to Roker in Washington, D.C. I enjoyed learning little tidbits about how Scott was Bozo the Clown and modified that costume to become the first Ronald McDonald. If you don’t know, now you know 😊

Al’s advice is practical, full of wit and wisdom, and fun. He peels back the curtain just enough to get unique glimpses into his life without oversharing. It’s the perfect read when you need a little motivation or something refreshing and uplifting.
Profile Image for Ken Heard.
755 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2020
Al Roker has written a semi-interesting book about his career, but only glossing over parts that led him to his gig with NBC. He organized the book in ALtruisms, chapters that highlight some theme and then offer proof of that theme with his own experiences. Good stuff, but limited.

I guess I was seeking more of a biography of how Roker started, how he battled his weight and took over after Willard Scott, one of the most popular humans ever, left and became a similarly popular weather guy.

TV weathermen are an odd breed. They travel to storm sites to stand in winds, rain and flooding, or among debris scattered by tornadoes, to tell their stories. Roker only mentions in a few graphs his adventure covering Katrina and said only that the windows blew in and power went off. Nothing else.

My only Al Roker weather story may taint the opinion I have of all tv weathermen. I used to be a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. I covered weather and was scurrying around in 2008 and 2011 with flooding in the state. Most rivers flooded, including the Mississippi. I stood on levees in Helena and around Memphis,watching swirling waters take trees and houses, etc. Because national tv weathermen would go to the sites and actually put on their L.L. Bean boots and waders and stand in the waters, the U.S. Corps of Engineers actually issued a TV Weatherman Alert, warning people to stay out of the river because of the water's dangerous undercurrents. One Corps media guy told me they called it the Al Roker Warning.

I guess if you are a huge fan of Roker, which apparently is the case on many of these Goodreads reviews, the book is a good one. And if you're a budding fan, hopefully other books of his would explain his career path a bit better.
Profile Image for Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs.
333 reviews82 followers
July 29, 2020
Let me start by saying, this book is filled with humorous moments. There were times that I actually laughed out loud.

Y𝐨𝐮 L𝐨𝐨𝐤 So Much B𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 I𝐧 P𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 is a book of Al’s quick witted advice. As we all know achieving success can be very hard, and maintaining that success can be even harder. Al shares some of the lessons he’s learned over his many years as coanchor of The Today Show. The book spans his entire career as a weatherman. But, it moved at such as fast pace that I was never bored.

Each chapter contains an “Altruism”. There are 16 Altruisms in all, and they are all very unique. For instance, Altruism #2 is “If You’re Gonna Cry, Know How To Cry”. In this chapter Al tells you what to do if you cry at work. This is just one of the many chapters that made laugh. Good stuff..

I also enjoyed the story of how he came up with the title of this book. It’s not often an author goes into detail about how they’ve come up with the title to their book. But Al did! And the only thing I have to say about it is this...If I happen to go to The Today Show, I’ll never tell Al he looks so much better in person.

Living in a time of complete uncertainty, it was nice to read a book that stressed the importance of being open to change.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It’s lighthearted and fun yet filled with a lot practical advice.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
538 reviews7 followers
August 6, 2021
I was a journalism major and in high school dreamed of being on The Today Show. Ultimately, I moved towards a corporate track but have a soft spot for all things media. When I saw Al Roker’s You Look So Much Better In Person, I knew I wanted to read it and my dad asking for my copy pushed it up my tbr.

This book is part memoir and part life advice with a dash of humor. Al details his career from starting as a weekend weatherman in college to The Today Show.

What I liked: I found myself laughing and engaged with this book. I even recommended it to someone before I finished.

The life advice is pretty normal stuff but nice reminders - like finding your a team of people that will help you and don’t let a bad event take you off course.

I loved the behind the scenes of reporting the news.

What didn’t work for me: I wish there was more explanation of how and what he did to get his position.

Who should read it: the career advice was all nice reminders so someone starting out or looking to make a major move. I think if you’re a fan of The Today Show, you may enjoy this one (even if his time on the show doesn’t happen until the end).

This book is not a true memoir or biography so if you’re expecting that, you may not like this book. I would classify it more in the life advice category.

Thank you @hachettebooks and @hachettego for my gifted copy.
Profile Image for W. Whalin.
Author 44 books412 followers
August 15, 2020
More Than a Weatherman

Al Roker has been a fixture on the Today Show for years giving the weather. In YOU LOOK SO MUCH BETTER IN PERSON, Roker tells the stories of how he got started in television and many of the lessons he’s learned from his decades on the air. I heard the audio version of this book and found the storytelling interesting and insightful.

In the final chapter of this book, Roker tells about listening to the opening music from the television show the A-Team then tells stories in detail about his colleagues on the Today Show and encourages everyone to find their A-Team for success in life. This book is a great combination of personal stories from Roker yet insights for the reader are tucked into every chapter. I enjoyed listening to YOU LOOK SO MUCH BETTER IN PERSON and recommend this book.

W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his latest 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed.
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,039 reviews
August 4, 2022
I very much enjoyed this autobiographical book. Interestingly Al Roker lives behind my mother's Co-op in New York City. She says " He keeps his backyard spotless." In reading this book I found other connections. He went to Xavier as did my brother. Xavier dances were great as it was an all boy's school so all the all girl schools made sure to go. The other connection was that his father was a bus driver for the city. My dad worked as a city bus mechanic after Pan Am went out of business transferring from planes to buses. I loved his ALtruisms. There are so many good stories here including his trip to JC Penney's for his $59 dollar suits, having dinner with Willard Scott and covering hurricanes.
Profile Image for Marion .
484 reviews11 followers
September 1, 2020

I love watching Al Roker on The Today Show each morning. He brings fun and personality to the show and to the weather forecast. So, I was definitely interested in hearing the story behind the man. And Al does not disappoint. This is a well-written, funny and personal look into his life and career. Does he cover everything? No, he does not, but one thing he does do is not gloss over the hard times. He maintains his honesty, showing that even though he is one of our favorite TV weather personalities, he is still just a normal guy. I thoroughly enjoyed this window into Al’s world. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
Profile Image for Lauren.
146 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2020
I adored this book! I’ve grown up with Roker’s “and here’s what’s happening in your neck of the woods” and thoroughly enjoyed watching him! This read like a personal conversation with him. Instead of “here are some things you should do,” he provides each ALtruism with a personal story relating to the message. Roker goes through his work history; however it does not read as a factual resume. I loved the personal stories and the messages he is getting across. Roker is a fantastic writer and I look forward to reading more by him!
Profile Image for Pam Bales.
2,527 reviews12 followers
August 19, 2020
Great as always. I heard about this book watching the Today show a while ago. I've enjoyed Al's books in the past and this one was intriguing so I got a copy. "Al"truisms for everyone. They make you think and give you some good ideas for any stage of life. I'm a couple of years older than Mr. Roker and loved at some of his comments about asking your parents about certain things he mentioned. He's a great story teller. I really enjoy his work on the Today show and imagine he would be a great friend. During these trying times, reading a book by Al Roker fits the bill!
Profile Image for Pat Buzby.
516 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2020
I love Al Roker. We are both about the same age, born in August, wear blue glasses, love television and reading real books, cooking and eating, family and alone time...the list goes on, we could be twins separated at birth and yes we are both on the short side so there's no doubt...except his family roots are in Queens and mine Brooklyn. I watch Al and have forever. Reading this book, I knew most of what he wrote, but I read it slow and savored the Altruisms when I need a good little moral or comic reminder of "What would Al do?"
Profile Image for Christine (Queen of Books).
1,411 reviews157 followers
October 19, 2020
Such a fun read. I was little nervous You Look So Much Better in Person would verge too far into the self-help genre for me, but Al Roker kept it pretty focused in memoir (with concluding statements that were advice, but the bulk of the chapter, stories).

I'd highly recommend the audio - Roker's narration was fantastic. Half the time I'm not even sure if the line itself was funny, or just his delivery.

Highlights for me included learning about his early career, his time at Waitress, and his "comeback line."
Profile Image for Ferris.
1,505 reviews23 followers
December 9, 2020
Al Roker walks the trajectory of his career, and along the way he shares his sense of self and some pearls of wisdom about succeeding at work and life. He narrates, and that really makes the book. He is funny, respectful, gracious, humble, and just the right amount of sparky. I actually enjoyed this way more than I anticipated, which is akin to his least favorite comment, " You look so much better in person"! A fun, quick read. You may even learn a thing or two. I have to say, that a very negative view of the younger generations work ethic comes through loud and clear. Ouch!
Profile Image for Lori.
1,663 reviews
March 28, 2021
Al Roker writes some nice "how to" stories of how he got to the success of Weatherman on national tv. Each chapter consist of "altruisms" such as play your best hand, sense of humor, get a piece of the pie. don't freak out. He writes of his beginnings as a weatherman at small news station. How Willard Scott took him to dinner and let him know he had potential to climb the ladder in this business. How he eventually ended up working on the Today show where he has been successful there for decades. A nice book. Glad i could learn more about this great man.
Profile Image for Angie (angieoverbooked) .
34 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2021
This book is such a happiness boost.

Thank you @hachettebooks for the gifted copy.

Just like watching Al Roker on the Today Show (or the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, Christmas in Rockefeller Center and countless other TV appearances), reading this just made me smile. It felt like I was at a family reunion talking to a favorite older uncle who’s like, “Let me tell you this story from 1979…” and I truly want to hear the story because there’s gonna be a lesson in it that will help me in 2021.

Pick this up for a quick, easy read, a few laughs and some solid advice.
10 reviews
August 8, 2020
No wonder America loves Al Roker! This is no ordinary "and-then-I memoir." Writing directly to US, The Tooay Show's legendary co-anchor and ace meteorologist illustrates his favorite life lessons with his own experiences. And Al Roker has definitely Been There, Done That! His latest book is at once funny, endearing, wise and memorable. Maybe too short; it's one of those books you hate to finish.
Profile Image for Cathy Klein.
732 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2020
Being a fan of Al Poker, I knew I wanted to read this and to do it on audio since he also narrated it.

Al tells stories about his life the same way he appears to be on the Today Show...very genuine and always trying to crack a joke and look on the bright side. Ironically, while I was listening to this, Poker announced that he has prostate cancer. I have no doubt that he will fight it with the same vim & vigor he has loved his life with.
Profile Image for Hillsullivan.
594 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2021
I had hoped to use this book with college grads. Al is a little older than I and I feel this book is written for an older generation, or someone with some work experience. Sure it said " ask your parents" in a few places, but I am not sure someone just graduating would like it. I would consider for a nephew 3 years out of school, but not sure as his contract is expiring and he is looking for a new position in journalism. But if he secures a position I may just send it to him.
89 reviews
August 20, 2020
Listened to the audio book that is read by Al Roker. I don't have time to watch morning television, I work for a living so, I don't really have a lot of exposure to Mr. Roker. But, what a funny, down to earth guy! Very positive, very funny. Someone that you would enjoy to know as maybe a co-worker or neighbor. It was a fun book.
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