Why did I want to read this book?
Basically I don't remember the episode or any that he was actually on... only saw them in context of review of Mr. Rodgers career and triumphs over topics of late.
And it is always always so interesting to hear the background of someone that is now highlighted as such an important piece of PBS/Mr. Rodgers and television history in a way.
As a former producer of content for a PBS station I do remember watching Mr. Rodgers in the 90s when I was at the station. We would watch it in the lobby on the monitor there and just love it, partially for the kitsch but also for the emotion of the show.
I really do appreciate the publisher for giving me the opportunity to preview the book.
There is an opening letter to Mr. Rogers. It was incredibly touching and warm and I have to say I had to stop reading because I just was an emotional wreck. But when I opened the book up again I was taken on the very best journey. Sad, anger inducing but so incredibly worth it. The rest of the book had that warmth. I felt like Dr. Clemmons was sitting next to me telling me his story as I was reading. It was conversational and moved so quickly because I just got enrobed in his story he was telling me.
He writes of his formative first five years and his family at that time and it is amazing... what is so interesting is that this really wasn't too long ago... use of the word mastuh is really brave (it was the Jim Crow South… and let us not forget… this is still happening in so many ways). Sometimes history we learn states that relationship didn't exist... it absolutely did and this shouldn't be forgotten and I am really proud to see that written about in this memoir. It sets a scene for a childhood that is so outside the norm for so many of his readers it's important to remember, recognize and honor.
He writes in very specific terms about the racism that he encounters when joining his friends. What struck me was at the church he got it from a religious person and at the VFW from the doorman. What was so impressive and a reminder is how the story plays out later in his life.
Dr. Clemmons discusses the pain and furor of his stepfather and how instead of being subjected to the domestic violence that entered the home, he would retreat to music with his music teacher. I would imagine that this is more usual than unusual for so many and another reason why I think this book is a triumph. In simple language, you are taken inside his mental space and you understand what he went through.
His tales of how his high school counselors actually have the gal to tell him to not apply to college but to go to a vocational school shows how misguided they were, based on his heritage and color of his skin. Sadly I do think this happens still. Again inert racism. He realized at that time that he was going to have to make it on his own if he wanted to follow his passions because no one in the authority positions were going to help him out. Again, without saying it... I am guessing those guidance counselors where white. Again this wasn't too long ago... it made me wonder deep down inside... does this still happen?
His acceptance to Oberlin September 1963 is a triumph! His college years have him coming into his own with not only his music but his personal life. He learns about himself more and more.
He joins the neighborhood and finds a father figure in Mr. Rogers. His insight into learning about who Fred Rogers is was so very interesting. As a person of color, gay and creative his view of the production and team was really insightful and a reminder to give everyone a chance and observe them was super interesting to me. I will try and do this with my peers in my environments more. To quote a business style this truly is learning about "Emotional Intelligence". I don't want to give too much away about the last part of the book because really I am quite sure that is what most readers are going to want to know about it. All I can say is I learned so much about Dr. Clemmons and Fred Rogers and their relationship it made reading the rest of the book so valuable to me. I found the last half of the book filled with optimism, encouragement, honesty and warmth. It was a delight start to finish.
This is a book about overcoming adversity, stereotypes, learning about who you are deep down, kindness and overall love. Dr. Clemmons strength and optimism shine through this book which was one of the best biographies I have read in a while. It reads easily, quickly and there are about 100 lessons to be learned on how we go through this world and how we encounter and treat people. Lead with kindness.
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