3 comments about All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Fifteenth Anniversary Edition Reconsidered, Revised, & Expanded With Twenty-Five New Essays.

1. ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
   by Robert Fulghum is a collection of essays that reflect the author's thoughts on life, death and a whole lot of other subjects in-between.

   So when I saw the 15th Anniversary Edition I naturally had to get hold of and then devour it . . . and am glad I did . . . it's GREAT!

   It is also quite different . . . or as the subtitle indicates, it is "reconsidered, revised, and expanded with 25 new essays."

   I liked all the new entries, but also got a kick out of revisiting the old ones . . . it was like being with friends I haven't seen before.

   Fulghum is that kind of author . . . once you read him, you'll
   want to get everything else he has written: IT WAS ON FIRE
   WHEN I LAY DOWN ON IT, UH-OH and MAYBE (MAYBE
   NOT) . . . you won't be disappointed in any of these, nor with
   his latest work either.

   There were several memorable passages in the 15th Edition that
   I had not come across before; among them:

   * "And so then what happened?"

   An urgent question out of the bedtime darkness, asked by my children, when they and I were young. Just when I thought I had slam-dunked a story-ending-just when I was certain the children were safely in the arms of the sandman--a small, sleepy voice would plead, "So, then what happened?" And no matter what I replied, the plea went on, "Please, please, Daddy--tell the rest of the story."

   In cranky desperation, I would resort to apocalypse: "Suddenly a
   comet hit the earth and blew everything to pieces."

   Silence. "What happened to the pieces?"

   "It doesn't matter. Everybody died a horrible death, especially
   all the little children who were not asleep." I also tried, "The father sold all the children who would not go to sleep to a passing gypsy who ground them into sausage meat. The first children to be ground up were those who would not stop asking questions."

   Go ahead, shame me. But it worked. Most of the time. On reflection, I suspect such gory endings were what they really liked most. Perhaps it was a scheme to see just how far I would go--to see how crazed their father really was.

   Now I am dealing with grandchildren who have the same restless
   minds. I am wilier now than I used to be. To the inevitable request for more, I reply, "Only your father knows the rest of the story. Ask him to finish it when you get home."

   * Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret
   weapon. A happiness weapon. A Beauty Bomb. And every time a
   crisis developed, we would launch one first--before we tried
   anything else. It would explode high in the air--explode softly--and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth--boxes of Crayolas. And we shouldn't go cheap either--not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the word with imagination instead
   of death. A child who touched one wouldn't have his hand blown off.

   * I recall an old Sufi story of a good man who was granted one
   wish by God. The man said he would like to go about doing good
   without knowing about it. God granted his wish. And then God
   decided that it was such a good idea, he would grant that wish to
   all human beings.

   And so it has been to this day.




2. This is a classic. I had the original and Robert Fulghum expands on the ideas in this revised edition. This is the audio version, read by the author, so it's like he's talking personally to you. A thoroughly enjoyable listen.



3. I read and lost the first publication of this neat little book, so my only legal option was to buy another copy. However, this one has many improvements. The large type I got used to real fast and it did make the delightful text easier to read. The "rest of the story" updates only made the book better. Since nearly all of the "chapters" are not longer than three pages the book is easy to read either at one setting or just whenever you have a little time. And while many of the stories are entertainingly funny, others are poignant and gives one some cause for pause from a hectic life to think about the subtile real values which often go unnoticed.

No comments about All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarden/It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It.

5 comments about True Love: Stories Told to and by Robert Fulgham.

1. It's a keeper on my "good book" shelf, hardback with a bookplate, the whole nine-yards. What I love is his selection and the understanding gained that love means different things to different people and (most importantly) at different times in their life. That lesson has helped me cope with troublesom relationships. I loved them for a reason at the time and that time and that reason fulfilled my need. It was enough. That is what I learned.
   I don't rate this book up with Fulghums' previous books mostly because it is a compilation with commentary and not pure, chapter after chapter Fulghum. That may seem like a technicality, but it made all the difference for me. It still has the same wit and charm of any of his other books.
   I found it difficult to sit down and get through the whole thing and feel "absorbed". It's the kind of book that you can read a few stories, put it down and come back to as you feel the need. I really couldn't read it straight through. I attribute that to the nature of it though, and not to Fulghums' writing.



2. This is a brilliant little book about how the love bug can strike each and every one of us in unique ways. It's an easy read that can be digested not just by the scholar but by the common man. It's a hopeful book. More books like this should be written.

   Jeffrey McAndrew
   author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"




3. This book looks at love from all the angles possible. Its an amazing reading. I would recommend it for all those with romantic soul.
   Lucia Racekova
   visual merchandiser



4. Unlike the earlier Fulghum books I've read, this one isn't really a collection of Fulghum's writings, but instead is a collection of stories that were sent or told to him. Fulghum's role here is more as an editor, presenting other people's stories. But what stories! These stories demonstrate the vast diversity of love, and show us that love can take as many forms as there are different people. Some of these stories are sad, others poignant, and many are incredibly romantic. Scattered in between these stories are comments by Fulghum, under the heading "Perspective," where he discusses his impressions of the stories or relates stories of his own. This book is easily as reflective as any of his earlier work, but has fewer "laugh out loud" moments. It provides some interesting perspectives on relationships, and certainly is a must read for anyone who consideres themself to be a romantic.



5. Of course you'll love this book because it's a true reflection of so many facets of romantic love. And I also personally love it because I wrote the story in it about Danny O'Neal. I don't remember the title of the story, but I'll never forget my accurate description of Danny "He was like Peter O'Toole with a double dose of testorone and a Tommy Lee Jones smile." (:sweet memory and sigh here.:)
   
   I want to make one correction that made a few people from Oklahoma and Arkansas upset. I signed it as Lilly from Fort Smith, Oklahoma. There is a Fort Smith, Arkansas about 5 miles from the Oklahoma line. I did that in a foolish attempt to make sure Danny knew it was really me because Fort Smith, OK was a joke between us. I wrote my story in about 1991. 16 years later - Danny O'Neal remains the most fascinating, thrilling romantic memory of my life.
   
   And, also since I still haven't heard from Danny in all these years, I'm hoping if he ever googles his name, this review will come up. Please forgive me.... but at the very least I want him to know how much he delighted me and that story ws no doubt only chosen because of how wonderful he was to me. :D
   
   Wishing magnificent, thrilling love to one and all,
   
   Lollie aka Lilly.

5 comments about All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

1. This is one of the best books I have ever read. As an instructional aide I have been in the kindergarten class room for the past 8 years, and I salute this book. I think everyone should live by the basic principles taught here. It is tragic seeing little ones come into kindergarten not having been taught to behave and have consideration and respect for others. The morals of our country our declining and this book helps put everything back into perspective.



2. Robert Fulgram's book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is now more than 15 years old and has been updated in a new version. The book became an instant classic with its wise statements and gentle humor. The essence of the book is the following set of statements:
   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 every day some.
   Take a nap every afternoon.
   When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
   Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
   Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
   And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
   We learned most of these ideas as children, but as adults we often forget or discard them as no longer relevant. Yet they remain as the truly important things in life. The trick is not only to remember them but also to use them in an adult context. Maybe we can't take a nap in the afternoon any more, but we can relax and get sufficient rest so that we can work efficiently; we know better than to hit people, but political and personal violence is still a major part of life in the United States. Living a balanced life is something many adults have difficulty achieving. My own advice is to post this list someplace where you can see it every day. And it wouldn't hurt to read this small volume over and over again.
   
   I rate this book at 5 stars. The other reviews seem for the most part to be either 5 or 1 stars. The negative reviewers miss, in my view, the main point of the book--that simple things are the most important and simple ways of saying things are the best means of communication.



3. 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!
   
   Merna Throne
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!



4. 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.



5. An easy and touching read. great stories that warm the soul. made me want to share the book with those i love.

5 comments about Words I Wish I Wrote.

1. I recently stumbled across a reference to Robert Fulghum on my web-wanderings. It was a long time ago that I read "All I Need to Know..." but I remembered the impact that small book made on me. Because I've been reading more lately, I ordered a few of Fulghum's books, thinking I might enjoy some of the others. Enter "Words I Wish I Wrote."
   
   This book is a glimpse into the mind of a writer. It's a look at what makes him tick. That's not because he tells us per se, but because we get a chance to see some of the writings that influenced him. In the process, it is his chance to share with us the words of other writers he loves.
   
   The invitation to share is a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets, the quotes, the aphorisms (a great favorite of mine), and the poetry. The sampler provided me with a broad array of new writers to personally explore as I collect my own set of words I wish I wrote.
   
   Now I have a lot more reading to do. When you buy this little book, plan on spending some time reading, thinking, and sharing with those close to you. I've been reading bits and pieces to Wife and Young Son as I read. It's fun.



2. I've long enjoyed Mr. Fulghum's insights and quirky stories, so I thought it would be interested to see what his sources of inspiration were. This is actually a pretty brief book--the layout (with each quote on its own page) bulks up the book with a fair amount of blank paper. The quotes are divided into a series of thematic chapters, and Fulghum provides an introduction to each section and annotations about the authors/sources included. Some of these quotes are entertaining, others thought provoking. All of them provide a glimpse into Fulghum's mind and provide some insights into his view of life. While interesting, this book is not nearly as entertaining as some of his earlier works.



3. For me, this was a wonderful find. This book wasn't particularly long, and I'd seen about 25% of the material before, but parts of it were simply wonderful.
   
   I love the way it has helped me think about my projects.
   
   As high as I rate this work, I cannot recommend buying if you can check it out from your library. It has lots of blank space (if the text was condensed like a novel, it would be about 100 pages at most), and it is easy enough to Xerox or copy down the best passages you find to have personal significance.



4. Not as good as his first four books; Kindergarten, It was on fire when I lay down on it, Maybe, Uh-Oh, but if your a fan of Fulghum you will find essays that are worthy of a book mark.



5. I teach 8th grade writing and I love to share even a one or two line selection from Mr. Fulghum as inspiration. I am constantly trying to get my students to notice the words around them and to decide why they love it or hate it or have any strong feelings toward it. It is a great way to introduce writer's journals and I will continue to share his choices with my students.

5 comments about Uh-Oh: Observations.

1. Amazing...I didn't want it to end. It opened a new fronteer of book reading in my life. It changed me. This man, Fulghum, packs so much emotion into his words. How I wish I could live like him, or at least write like him. Definintely inspritional and touching and funny. I can't say it enough! Read it! Nothing out there compares to Fulghum's sensitivity about everything in life. I don't know how to say it any other way. If I had even half as much truth and insight as this author has, I would be happy.



2. Imagine, if you will a Sunday evening, with everybody still in their church clothes after having eaten a delicious Sunday dinner. Everyone's sort of lazily sated and they all meet on the porch to hang out for a while: they wave and smile at neighbors passing by, perhaps they bask in the evening sunset. Then, someone let's out the loudest, longest burp. Making every one burst out laughing...that's a bit how Fulghum's book on everyday observations, inspirations from happy accidents, and the many, many people he has run into is like. Some of the stories are tenderhearted like his experiencing culinary delights (Jelly Bellys in Cheerios) with a grand child or his gaining a reluctant love of a neighbor's ol' dawg. Other stories are of the making lemonade out of lemons type...a good, good cigar gets swiped by someone who perhaps appreciated it more...the bride is plagued with hiccoughs in the middle of the wedding ceremony....old VFWer's crash their pals' funeral with an anemic 10 gun salute and a stripper...all done in Fulghum's easy-does-it style. Do I like the book? Of course I do. Does it make me smile? You bet. My only problem is waiting long enough to forget all about the book and how much I love it, so that I can read it again like a 'new book' and enjoy it some more....does that sound like a Fulghum scenario to you? Anyway, get it and read it one lazy Sunday afternoon. You will thank me for the suggestion.



3. First, let me say that I read this book in one day, which is a feat in itself with my short attention span. And when I was finished, I honestly felt sad that it was over. Second, I'm not one to take the time to review books online, but this is one that is worthy of all the praise I can give it. This book is fantastic. It's the best book I've read in a long while. One moment, Fulghum is making you ponder some very deep subjects, and the next, he's got you laughing those really good, healthy belly laughs that are so few and far between. His insight on so many ordinary subjects is astounding. You will find yourself relating to some of the stories and touched or delighted by the others. My mother encouraged me to read this, and I've encouraged everyone I know to read it. Get this book. It's really worth the read.



4. Much like the late Charles Kuralt, RF shows us what is right in America by going deep into the heartland, talking about everyday things and making them seem extraordinary. Fulghum, a Unitarian minister, reasons that most people are good at heart and his writings reflect his gentle ways and his comprehensive love of humanity. I could hear him speak for hours and hours.



5. Robert Fulghum finds delight in the daily details of life. He paints a wonderful picture from a simple scene and adds a philosophical twist. He cracks me up. His style is one of my favorites. Uncomplicated, observant, joyful. Delightful!

5 comments about From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives.

1. Easy reading and wonderful for people who do not follow the normal rituals of life's experiences. To do what one desires for oneself and not be a follower made the reader feel good. Examples of all type of rituals were easily relatable.



2. The only parts of my own wedding I regret are those I didn't personalize enough; I wish this book had been around back when I was doing my planning. Fulghum doesn't provide concrete suggestions, so much as great stories, illustrations of the impact of ritual on our lives (in which he stands firmly with Jossepoh Campbell) and a wonderfully outrageous attitude toward making those rituals fit us, not the other way around. You won't take away exact ideas of what to do for your own ritual, but you will get the inspiration to make your own ritual fit you as perfectly as some of the ones described fit their participants.

   On another level, the book is also worth reading just for the stories. As other readers have commented, the one about the second wedding is just beautiful.




3. This book is a great book to remind you of why we do certain things in life but moreso, to stretch your imagination to think of how you could bring new meaning to significant points in your life. There is an exceptional chapter on weddings. I've read and reread this book a couple of times! a great buy.



4. This book has so much hope, and exudes respect for human experience. In essence, rituals are spiritual and they are found all the time in the lives we lead. Until we recognize this we will be less aware of the spiritual magic of being alive each and every day. Fulghum illuminates this page by page. He has a very philosophical view of life that is quite contagious. His presentation style is much like Garrison Keillor in the audiotape of this book I listened to. Soothing, but it jolts us awake with spiritual truths time and time again. I also like his sense of humor and his accepting of life and death.

   You will respect your own life more after reading this book.

   Jeffrey McAndrew
   author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"




5. This is a good book, but you need to understand Mr. Fulghm is concentrating on the end of his life in this book. Still a good read of 2-5 page essays, he is alweays amusing to read.

5 comments about It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It (Audio Cassette).

1. Buy it, excellent life lessons. I f you cannot find a 2-5 page essay in this book you like or can relate to your younger than 15.



2. I must confess that, when I heard that this was a bestselling collection of inspirational anecdotes and essays by a minister, I was prepared to be skeptical. I was expecting oversimplifications, sentimentality and proselytizing.
   In fact I found myself moved to laughter and sadness.
   It is indeed written in simple language, but it is the simplicity of the clever writer. Fulghum quotes from Horace in Latin and from the Septuagint in Greek, and describes attending a talk on chaos theory at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, but makes it all sound plain and easy.
   He mentions "Apocalypse Now" but not the Book of Revelations. He is a long way from original sin and Calvinism. I think the central message is that there is much good in people and you can bring it out by being patient and being nice to them. I was almost convinced.



3. I started reading this book on an airplane...and in some ways I wish I hadn't. I was laughing and laughing at the sheer unexpectedness of this book, shaking the entire row with my convulsions. I think some were trying to figure out if I were laughing or crying, as I had tears running down my cheeks. The stories were a total surprise to me, for I didn't buy this book for the humor. I actually bought it because a friend had told me one extremely meaningful story out of the book, regarding the meaning of life. In essence, this story-ette is about a priest and his meaning of life, and a small mirror...he believes the meaning of life is to bring light to dark places, a game he used to play when he was a kid with sunlight and a mirror. That game has become a metaphor for his life. So I bought the book for that reason, for a few little pages. But now 1/2 way through the book, it has entertained me way more than expected.
   
   The book is written in article form, with each story-ette lasting 3 to 7 pages, so it makes for excellent bedtime reading. FYI, this book and the writing remind me of Bill Bryson, and his writing style.



4. The jack of all trades, Fulghum, says its a continuation of "All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten". With his live and let live, universalist world view he shares his observations and opinions of every day life. Each chapter is a short story with a special meaning, and usually brings a chuckle. Many are personal; subjects include: scientific uncertainties, parents, blood, public affection, marriage, religion, lemonade, travel, customs, blessings in disguise, and even yucky stuff----thanks mothers. The book is a good release for every day tension. He is still pondering, "what is my occupation?"
   
   Wish you well
   Scott



5. Stories about real life that make you laugh out loud and put a smile on your face about how good life can be if you look at things the right way. lot's of quick little stories that are snapshots of goodness.