"un-Ordinary Thoughts" Works.... Dozens of 2 and 3-page "chapters" add up to witty slants on an ample variety of life's ordinary "stuff"... subjects the average person might never have thought to look at in an atypical way. "Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things," the subhead rightly touts. Chicken-fried steak, death, the stars, clocks, crayons and dandelions are some of the subjects author Fulghum takes on in clean, simple, picture-like terms. No 55-cent words here, no heavy preaching, no footnotes or references to university studies. -More like back-to-basics Andy Rooney in print.... He takes soft, non-critical aim and observes. He "asks" the pertinent questions. -Probably, though, not to get answers... but mainly just because nobody much asked before he did.
Some of the author's considerations are more interesting than others. Some are amusing, some just lay there. -Nonetheless, few topics, if any, seem to have any bearing on what he "learned in kindergarten." For example, his brief accounting on the resiliency of spiders may not be explicitly related to the kindergarten "lessons" at hand; but Robert Fulghum's quick focus on spiders' general simplicity, subtlety, significance may be the dot-connectors. Low-key and untarnished are everywhere...just like in kindergarten. That's what he's getting at.
"Wash Your Hands," "Flush," "Don't Hit People," "Take a Nap Every Afternoon" -are some of the laudable early-on rules we all walked away with ...yet what our author "wants for Christmas" and his "Brass Rule" emerge just as innocent and important now as they were then.
The small, plain, wondrous things out there'll get us through, give us meaning, is implied. -So forget the iPods, dinners out, Oprah, Yankee standings, and coupons? How many stereo boom boxes, Cruise DVD's and Nike shoes need we throw out? He doesn't say, doesn't even come close to saying. -Maybe none, huh....
Here's a clever little glance at what's all around us that's not especially compelling or informative ...but boasts an easy (and not too serious) writing style, worthy of a spare-time read. -A good edition for library checkout, maybe, rather than for permanent bookshelf display.
-For the record. What Fulghum "learned in kindergarten" follows. -Surely worth remembering.
Share everything § Play fair § Don't hit people § Put things back where you found them § Clean up your own mess § Don't take things that aren't yours § Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody § Wash your hands before you eat § Flush § Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you § Live a balanced life learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some § Take a nap every afternoon § When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together § Be aware of wonder
Cute! Adorable! I mean, with a title like that, how could I NOT get this book? Even though some of the stories didn't apply to me, they were still great to read, and there were tons that did apply and just gave me that warm happy feeling. Everyone should read this book, this is what true inspiration is :D One thing though, it seems that at the beginning, there was some of the Kindergarten-ness, but then, it lost it. What happened? Those were my favorite parts, the connections, and then they died and the book lost a lot of its charm. Sadness. Still, cool read, I'm probably going to post it back for swapping so someone else can enjoy it, too!
great read An easy and touching read. great stories that warm the soul. made me want to share the book with those i love.
Arthur's Kindergarten Review This book contains all the lessons we need to know to lead a successful life. It is a reminder that we learned long ago the lessons we need in Kindergarten to be successful at whatever endeavor we choose. I recently used those lessons with my high school graduating seniors. It is worth repeating because I feel we have forgotten the lessons. Arthur L. Williams Ph.D. Principal Ann Arbor Huron High School.
Refreshing Perspective This book kindly brings us back to the basics of life and shows us to 'keep it simple' once again. His thoughts and writing skills kept me engaged while teaching me a refreshing perspective that I once had learned.
Great addition to any readers loves!
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