Book Review: 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' by Fred Rogers

✰✰✰✰½ What would Mister Rogers do? It's a popular question many ask especially during troubling times like these. Fred Rogers was a respected television personality known for for his ability to bring calm and understanding into this crazy world. He had an amazing gift to be able to connect with preschoolers and young children on their level. But what made him tick? What made his show such a success? And what made him special?

In 1998, Tom Junod was given an assignment to write an article about a quiet, unassuming man. Junod shadowed the man as he went about his business and even visited the man's childhood hometown. Known for his cynicism, Junod set out to uncover the sordid truth about this man, but it was Junod who would soon be surprised because the man had nothing to hide. The man was authentic and compassionate. That man was Fred Rogers, and it turned out that Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers were one and the same, a very caring, compassionate individual.

The Bottom Line: This book features Tom Junod's original piece for Esquire, "Can you Say...Hero?" It was the inspiration for the hit movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and this is the first time this classic article has appeared in book form. Also, included in this book are a collection of words of wisdom, advice, and observations from Fred Rogers about topics like relationships, childhood, parenthood, learning, and discipline. Highly recommended reading for both new and experienced parents. Also, highly recommended for teachers, students of early childhood, education, and psychology, and everyone who enjoyed watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as a child. 

Book Club Notes: It's a new year and the perfect time to start out with a positive, encouraging topic.  A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was well received by our members for the first virtual discussion of the year. With an average rating of 4.75 on a scale of 1 - 5 with 5 being the highest, the movie was by far more popular than the book which received an average rating of 3.5. One of the reasons for this is because some members felt that the book read more like a textbook. There are definitely parts of the book that will appeal to both educators and students of education alike. However, others commented that this is exactly what appealed to them about the book, and they would highly recommend it to both new and experienced parents as well as anyone who remembers Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. 

As for the movie, Tom Hanks had a phenomenal performance. His portrayal of Fred Rogers  allowed the essence of Rogers to shine through. Though much of the storyline between character Lloyd Vogel and his father is fiction, the friendship between Vogel and Rogers in the movie is authentic. This is a timely, entertaining movie about compassion and forgiveness; in fact, it's perfect for the turbulent times we are facing today.

Finally, as we continue to meet virtually, we are becoming more accustomed to the quirks of discussing books online. Nevertheless, we are grateful for the technology as meeting virtually has allowed us to continue to read and discuss nonfiction that reads like fiction. Both the book and the movie are enthusiastically recommended for everyone.

Groups looking for discussion questions can check out the movie guide and the faith-based movie guide. Additional questions can be found at Teach with Movies. 

Details: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers (Movie Tie-in) by Fred Rogers. Paperback published by Penguin Books in 2019. 208 p. ISBN: 978-0-14-313538-8