This is a sweet story, a tribute to Fred Rogers, and more the story of how Rogers influenced Madigan. For those of us who loved the work of Fred Rogers it is a confirmation of what we always believed to be his personality. ( )

Madigan shares some of the most trying times of his life and his most difficult hurdles to overcome, and celebrates the friend who was there with him through it all: Fred Rogers. unlikely as it seemed to him, a newspaper reporter who had never watched the Mister Rogers children’s show but who was sent to interview the icon, Tim and Fred bonded almost instantly and remained very close until Fred’s death in 2003. by honestly and openly telling of his marital problems, difficulties with his father, minor setbacks, the slow death of his brother to cancer- and how it affected him and how he, with Rogers as his mentor, made it through them all a better person, he touches on the deep common humanity in us all and gives us hope.

and in this way he continues the work of Fred Rogers. as one reviewer put it: Fred Rogers inspired people because he saw the good in them; he challenged people because he wanted them to see the good in themselves. even just reading about Rogers’ friendship with Madigan reinforces the idea that there is good in you, and that at least one someone out there somewhere knows that, and will believe in you no matter what happens.

the style is straightforward prose, much like one would expect from a newspaper article, but the story is moving and revealing as well. ( )

http://www.book-blog.com/2008/06/madi... ( )

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, wanting to bring happiness, self-confidence, and education to his young viewers.

A major part of the book (and the most difficult, yet inspiring, to read) is dedicated to the author's brother, Steve, who died from cancer at age 41. Mr. Rogers offered prayers and comfort to their entire family as they lost a brother, father, husband, and son. He prayed for Steve every morning by name.

If you're interested in learning more about Mister Rogers, I highly recommend this book. He was probably one of the most gentle, caring, outwardly and unapologetic compassionate people who have ever graced this earth with their presence. ( )

www.paperdietbooks.wordpress.com ( )