Product Description

Customer Reviews (22)

Loved it
When I ordered this book, there were mixed reviews.I almost didn't order it, but I love all of Fulghum's books, so I went for it anyway.While it might not have the same spark that some of his other books have, I still highly enjoyed reading it.It's worth it.

Necessary Reading!
Delightfully thought-provoking, and entertaining - It's a mini-survival kit and should be REQUIRED reading for today's stressed out - multiplexing society.
Clearly, this is necessary reading for most everyone ... A real treasure!

fulghum fan
A terrific book. Short two three page accounts with humor. Fun and touching. Read it.

A writer, not a storyteller
As always, Fulghum's writings are hillarious and insightful, but the droning voice of the author makes me forget that there's humor somewhere between the monotone words.He tries to play the part of the storyteller, but it just doesn't work for me.I'd stick with the book, unless you're confident you can overcome his soporific cadence.

love it
Another AWESOME piece by Robert Fulghum!I have most of his books and this one is especially good. ... Read more

Product Description
In his first phenomenal best-seller, EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN, Robert Fulghum reminded readers everywhere of some plain and still-true truths.Now, picking up where he left off, Fulghum turns our eyes to show-and-tell, weddings, his own ten commandments, and more insightful and unique observations on what our world is and was....

... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

As Advertised an Timely Shippment
The book was in great shape and the shipment time was only a few days.Thanks

wonderful
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.

Brings a chuckle
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

Laughing Out Loud
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.

I came to scoff
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 ofRevelations.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.
... Read more

Product Description
"Uh-oh" is more than a momentary reaction to small problems."Uh-oh" is an attitude -- a perspective on the universe.The #1 Bestseller by the author of ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Good, Quick, Makes-You-Smile Read
Good, easy, captivating and heart-warming observations on the state and nature of our lives and our world with emphasis on strong traditional moral values. A feel good, makes-you-smile and sometimes provocative read, and there's nothing wrong with any of that!!Pretty good, actually. It makes us appreciate and think about the world around us in a new way, perhaps.

I love his observations!
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!

Right On Robert!
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.

a very worthwhile read
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.

How can I describe this work?
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. ... Read more

Product Description
In fairy tales, the third wish is the last one left when the first wish was foolish, and the second wish was used to undo the first wish. Now the remaining wish must be used wisely and well--with the help of co-conspirators. The main thread of Third Wish--like Ariadne’s string guiding Theseus into the labyrinth with the Minotaur--begins at a table on a terrace on the Greek Island of Crete, winds its way into the center and back out to the same table, passing through Greece, Japan, France, England, and Seattle. Its main characters are Alice, Max-Pol, Aleko, Wonko, Zenkichi, Polydora, Alice-Alice, and Dog. Woven into the fabric of the novel are cultural history, art, philosophy, archeology, poetry, theater and music. The mode of the novel is contained in the words Slowly, Surprise, and Witness. More than anything else, Third Wish is a long love story--not in the usual sense--but the story of people who love life and will go to great lengths to find a flourishing Way onward.Amazon.com Review

Listen to the Music of Third Wish
Click on each track title listed below to listen to the MP3.

1. Cuckoo Not Song 2. Alex's March 3. The Jumwillies' Fight Song 4. Alice and Alex 5. Vasliev Ouranie 6. The Really Really Green Waltz 7. Wonko's Waltz

8. White Rabbit Suit 10. Waltzing The Bull 11. The Saddest Waltz 12. Waltz Of Strangers 13. Eros & Psyche 14. Three Wishes

15. Night Train To Barcelona 16. Jumwillies 17. The Queen of Queen Anne Hill 18. Sweet Sunday Morning 19. Left_Right Surprise A Cappella 20. Left_Right Surprise 21. Walk On

Customer Reviews (33)

Quite an Experience!
The Third Wish is a uniquely imaginative reading experience, unlike any other. Delving into this adult fairy tale is a mind-blowing experience, since it awakens brainwaves long forgotten and engages the senses of imagination. A basic understanding of mythology is helpful in order to grasp the full concept however. I found the journey interesting, intelligent, unusual and intriguing to say the least. The characters are wonderful and will fascinate you throughout the entire series. I was drawn to the ever-changing Alice who has a way of mesmerizing us as she morphs from one interesting characteristic into another. Be forewarned, the experience of reading this saga will be a lengthy one, although it is one you can relish for years to come.

I would describe Third Wish as a tale of personal adventure and discovery, filled with interesting characters and a unique storyline. It's a book that a reader must pay attention to while being willing to delve into the inadequacies of one's own literary education to appreciate fully. It is a book to savor and linger within. Complete with a CD of music that is contained in the book we are allowed to hear the musical voice of the characters and this opens up a new way of relating to them.

I am reminded of a few books as I read Third Wish, mainly spiritual adventure sagas like "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse, with a touch of whimsy from "Alice in Wonderland" thrown in for good measure. Had I ever perfected my knowledge of Greek literature I imagine I would find similarities in these as well, much like a modern voyage towards finding oneself.

Fulghum's writing style is absolutely enthralling and the fact that he has taken my mind to places I never before thought I would be intrigued by deserves applause. The addition of music to the experience is like taking a reader's mind into a film setting without the help of actual video so the reader must rely heavily on one's own imagination; it's a brilliant concept of true delight!

It' a long story, but not for another time!
The boxed and weighty, two volume set of "Third Wish" by Robert Folghum fills out some of the short stories told in his book, "What on Earth Have I Done?: Stories, Observations, and Affirmations," and also sojourns on into new territory as well.

A "peculiar sojourn" is an apt description of this work.

I would like to believe that this epic, human, exploration of relationships and place is as much fact as it is fiction.My hope is that many of the characters are fictionally enhanced versions of real Folghum friends and acquaintances.By observing the weaving of their life's journeys to discover, I wished to also become fictionalized and perhaps reserve a table near-by to overhear a meeting of the Jumwillies.

The physical book and accompanying CD are a joy to hold. The double thick stock and variety of sparsely and lushly drawn illustrations make the reading experience well worth the weight of each volume.

This is not your typical Folghum tale.It is rich in detail and delicious in its intricacies.

If you have a fondness for peculiar people and circumstances, then you will find a banquet of possibilities that will be very satisfying for your reading consumption.Take your time and enjoy the journey, because even with both rather large volumes, alas the tale ends far too soon.

Well done Mr. Folghum!I've greatly enjoyed our time together and I am much richer for having "witnessed" your story.

Thank you.

Andy Dix,
Author/Motivational Speaker
"Life Matches: Fire Up Your Life!"
[...]

WORTH PURCHASING
... VERY WELL WRITTEN, INTERESTING DESCRIPTIONS OF CHARACTERS & PLACES... FACTUAL INFORMATION WITH FICTIONAL STORY, UNEXPECTED TWISTS. BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED.A BOOK TO BE SAVOURED... INSPIRING...KINDLING THE READER TO DESIRE A MORE INTERESTING LIFE OR JUST SIMPLY ADDING MOMENTARILY SPICE TO THEIR LIFE..

great reading
Have always liked Robert Fulghum--I have all his books--although long, this, his firt novel, is very good--I find it hard to put down!!!

Multi-Faceted
Like all creations by Fulghum, this book is like a box of touchstones and evocations. I love it so far & promise to complete the experience, as soon as I complete my own novel. This is an amazing, collaborative production and a bargain at the price. Highly recommended.













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Product Description
Fifteen years ago, Robert Fulghum published a simple credo—a credo that became the phenomenal #1 New York Times bestseller All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Now, seven million copies later, Fulghum returns to the book that was embraced around the world. He has written a new preface and twenty-five essays, which add even more potency to a common, though no less relevant, piece of wisdom: that the most basic aspects of life bear its most important opportunities.

Here Fulghum engages us with musings on life, death, love, pain, joy, sorrow, and the best chicken-fried steak in the continental U.S.A. The little seed in the Styrofoam cup offers a reminder about our own mortality and the delicate nature of life . . . a spider who catches (and loses) a full-grown woman in its web one fine morning teaches us about surviving catastrophe . . . the love story of Jean-Francois Pilatre and his hot air balloon reminds us to be brave and unafraid to “fly” . . . life lessons hidden in the laundry pile . . . magical qualities found in a box of crayons . . . hide-and-seek vs. sardines—and how these games relate to the nature of God. All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is brimming with the very stuff of life and the significance found in the smallest details.

In the years that have passed since the first publication of this book that touched so many with its simple, profound wisdom, Robert Fulghum has had some time to ponder, to reevaluate, and to reconsider. And here are those fresh thoughts on classic topics, right alongside the wonderful new essays.

Perhaps in today’s chaotic, more challenging world, these essays on life will resonate even deeper—as readers discover how universal insights can be found in ordinary events. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (87)

Misleading
Know that this title is just one of the poems in the book. Don't purchase this thinking that you'll get a book full of other stories like the one you can just find online.

Matter of Principle
I have been tempted to buy this book and read it on different occasions but I have declined to do so as a matter of principle. If I am to take the title at face value then I am faced with the stark reality that when I was in Kindergarten, I couldn't read.

Definitely a simple reminder!
This book, while simple, reminds you of the everyday occurrences that we all take for granted. Each chapter makes me grin at the end. The chapters are very short and make for quick reading. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a little smile every now and then which is hopefully everyone.

Buy several, a great gift
This is a keep on your shelf book. I have read and reread this book several times. It is wonderful when you are sad or just feeling thoughtful. I've given out several copies to people in crisis; it is a good book to have while you spend those waiting hours at a hospital. This recent purchase was a gift for a friend at a challenging time in her life; I no longer give my copy out as they usually don't make their way back to me.

All I need to know ....
Compassionate and humorous - emotional delights. An engaging series of short stories dealing with the softer emotions and human sensitivities.
Ideal for quiet or reflective moments. ... Read more

Product Description
In Words I Wish I Wrote, Robert Fulghum reveals the works of writers who have inspired him.During the past four decades he's reviewed and revised the basic principles of his philosophy many times, sometimes as an exercise in personal growth, but more often in response to individual crisis.Then at fifty, seeking a simplicity to counter the complex thinking of his college years, Fulghum wrote a summary essay professing that all he really needed to know he learned in kindergarten.As he approached his sixtieth year, Fulghum became curious about what in his outlook had changed and what had endured.

On review, Fulghum explains, everything he has ever said and thought and written is transparent to him now.As hard as he has tried to speak in his own voice, much of what he's said is neither original nor unique.The best ideas are often old and are continually being revived, recycled, renewed.Wherever his search took him, Fulghum found that someone else has been there before.And more often than not, that person has chosen words Fulghum wishes he had written, using language he can't improve upon.To Fulghum, however, this isn't a discouraging realization.It's a recognition n of companionship, which is an affirming consolation.

The confirming statements, quotes, and credos that Fulghum recorded in his journals for years are collected here, representing the most important ideas underlying his living and thinking.They are organized thematically into such chapters as Companions, God, Bene-Dictions, Contra-Dictions, Simplify, and Believe.Each begins with Fulghum's own insightful, introductory words, followed by inspiring passages drawn from a diverse group of sources, from Jerry Garcia to Albert Camus, Dylan Thomas to Franz Kafka.At the end of each chapter, Fulghum offers readers his own personal commentary on the sources--where he was introduced to their words, why he returns to them again and again, and how they may change you.Amazon.com Review
Robert Fulghum, the part-time Unitarian minister whose gentleand humorous stories have made him a bestselling author many timesover (beginning with All I Really Need to Know ILearned in Kindergarten), pays tribute to the writers whoinspired him in Words I Wish I Wrote. He confesses thatat one particularly low moment in the late '50s, he was dredged upfrom the Slough of Despond by reading the works Albert Camus,whose gaze over a deeper abyss gave Fulghum hope. It was thatexperience that led Fulghum to seek out writings with upliftingmessages. The result is this compilation of brief passages from thelikes of WallaceStevens ("After the final no there comes a yes"), Tom Robbins("Real courage is risking one's clichés"), andBuckminster Fuller ("God is a verb"). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Great
While some of his other work is better, it was last one I needed to have read his entire work.Good buy

One of the best
Over the past decade I've collected a lot of aphorisms and stories, but not mine nor anyone else has one this good.

"Words I Wish I Wrote"
Thank you, I so love finding a present in my mail, many companies don't deliver to Australia, I'm glad you guys do. Thank you

Kate

A valuable book
I first read this book several years ago, and I have given away about a dozen copies since then.It is an inspiring collection of short works and passages with just the right amount of incisive comment by Rev. Fulghum. It is also a terrific resource for further reading.I think it should sit alongside The Elements of Style on everyone's shelf.

Great inspiration
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. ... Read more

Product Description
Robert Fulghum's books have sold more than 14 million copies in 27 languages in 93 countries. They radiate a spiritual yet down-to-earth universality, balancing levity and gravity, wisdom and wit. Packaged together in this boxed set are hardcover editions of three of his most popular works: Maybe, Maybe Not, Uh-Oh and It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

After Kindergarden
Having read Fulghum's "Kindergarden" best seller out-load to help my wife fall asleep at night (the story format and short chapters were just perfect) we searched for something similar and this new boxed set of three (bought through Amazon for less than the price of one book) was perfect. Only so far having read a little of "Uh Oh" - very similar format of short snippets of daily life - we have found the perfect replacement for "All I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarden"

The BOXED SETRobert Fulghum
FULGHUM'S WRITINGS ARE A JOY. WHEN I READ HIS STORIES I FIND MYSELF
WANTING THE STORY NOT TO END. HE BRINGS THE STORY TO LIFE. HE'S THE
KIND OF GUY I WOULD LOVE TO SPEND TIME TALKING WITH. I RECOMMEND ALL
OF HIS WRITINGS.












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Product Description
FROM BEGINNING TO END
Why "rituals"?
My thinking was set in motion by those who, knowing I was a parish minister for many years, have asked me for advice about ceremonies and celebrations. They wanted words to use at graduations, funerals, and the welcoming of children. They inquired about grace at family meals, the reaffirmation of wedding vows, and ways to heal wounds suffered in personal conflict. People requested help with the rituals of solitude, such as meditation, prayer, and contemplation. . . .
Rituals do not always involve words, occasions, officials, or an audience. Rituals are often silent, solitary, and self-contained. The most powerful rites of passage are reflective--when you look back on your life again and again, paying attention to the rivers you have crossed and the gates you have opened and walked on through, the thresholds you have passed over.
I see ritual when people sit together silently by an open fire.
Remembering.
As human beings have remembered for thousands and thousands of years.
FULGHUM


From the Paperback edition.Amazon.com Review
Fulghum, author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten, turns his inspirational ponderings to the rituals that fill and inform our daily lives, from brushing our teeth to the grand rituals responding to birth, life, and death. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

All of lifes major events and rituals
This book is fantastic!It covers a lot of the every day rituals that make our lives and the bigger events and how we value them.I used this book to inspire me for my wedding and have shared it with a lot of friends.I also think it is special because Robert Fulghum really clearly values doing something outside the norm.He values taking an important event or ritual and doing it your own way, so that it is important and special for you.

Liturgicall Helps
I loan this book to couples as they make plans for their wedding.I hope that they will also look at the other major events in life that appear in the book.Many see that it offers much more than inspiration for the wedding alone.Some ask me where they can get their own copy.At least one copy was not returned...so we purchase another copy.

Another gem
I own every book Robert Fulghum has written and was looking forward to reading this one. I found it as compelling as the others, and more. More thoughtful. More gentle. Reflecting more life experience. I read it more slowly than the others, savouring it, returning to some sections again. I particularly liked the opening section about morning rituals. This book covers things we all know about, all experience, think about. It is inspiring me to be more mindful. I will reread this many times in the coming years.

Well, Maybe (Maybe not)
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.

Absolutely Wonderful!
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" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Touching
Recommended to me by a friend; quick read.Some of the stories are quirky, many are poignant.Light reading but pleasant.Like that proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity.

great book
This is a great book, it just needs to be longer.....I always like his work.

I must make one correction in my story in the book.
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, OKwas 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.

The many faces of love
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.

My opinion
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 ... Read more

Product Description
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

I once began a list of the contradictory notions I hold:

Look before you leap.

He who hesitates is lost.

Two heads are better than one.

If you want something done right, do it yourself.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Better safe than sorry.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

You can't tell a book by its cover.

Clothes make the man.

Many hands make light work.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

It's never too late to learn.

Never sweat the small stuff.

God is in the details.

And so on. The list goes on forever. Once I got so caught up in this kind of thinking that I wore two buttons on my smock when I was teaching art. One said, "Trust me, I'm a teacher." The other replied, "Question Authority."

[signature]

Fulghum

... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Fulghum touches the soul
I've read and/or listened to all of Fulghum's books. This book lives up to his high standard of reading enjoyment and prys open one's introspect. Like most of his books, they end too soon.

Inane Thoughts on Tedious Topics Offering Little Value
Perhaps there is a purpose to this book that I was not made aware of, or maybe some of Fulghum's other books are required reading to comprehend the essence of his meaning; otherwise, this book proved to be nothing more than inane thoughts on tedious topics providing minimal interest. As a self professed philosopher, one would expect Fulghum to have presented at least some profound content among his thoughts; instead, we are presented with his views on why addresses are required on so many forms, where he thinks he might have been conceived, and various other haphazard topics with as much correlation as a grade school paper.

Since these are just Fulghum's thoughts on random topics, why should I have interest in what he has to say?What does Fulghum offer that I would not hear from any vocal person with more interest in hearing him/herself speak than providing intriguing reflection?I had anticipated discovering the answers to such questions would be that Fulghum, being a "philosopher" (to which there is doubt), might provide intriguing wisdom.I was sorely disappointed to discover nothing among this book that offers value or interest beyond common average chatter.

I do not mean to be overly harsh and I certainly hold no negative feelings toward the author; however, unless the alternative to reading this book amounts to staring into space, I would not advise wasting a moment on these one-dimensional observations.

A Must for Fans of Fulghum!
Robert Fulghum is the master of telling complex stories in a simple, down-home manner.As such, I think I'd be paying him tribute most effectively if I kept this review simple.Suffice to say, if you've read and enjoyed other books by Mr. Fulghum, you'll definitely enjoy this one.By all means, read it.Read it more than once!You won't regret it!

Enlightening & entertaining
I really liked Fulghum's casual, laid-back style of writing. "Maybe (Maybe Not)" was a very easy, fun, quick read. He's very optimistic and upbeat and tries to convey his outlook on life to his audience. He's got a lot of great thoughts from totally different areas of life. He only spends a couple of pages on one topic and moves on to something completely different. He's got a really good sense of humor and unlike most self-help type of books, he's not preachy in the least bit. Really enjoyable and highly recommended!

If you like Robert you'll like this.
If you like Robert Fulghum's other books you'll really enjoy this book.If you haven't read Robert try his first best seller 'All I needed to know I learned in Kindergarden'It's his best work and will give you an idea of how enjoyable this guy's views and stories on life are to read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Another view
This should be required reading for many adults. It seems in todays society, impatience and intolerance have become virtues. Basic manners and respect for others is a concept lost on too many of our youth. So, in counterpoint to the previous negative review, I strongly recommend "Everything...." to anyone wanting to raise a well balanced, tolerant (and tolerable) child.

This book was quite refreshing in our mundane society.
After reading all Robert Fulghum books, I found the "Everything I needed to know...." book is his best.I think we sometimes forget in our hustle and bustle lives how much we really learn about ourselves andsociety when we are children.We also find out as children (usually)there's no such thing as a free lunch.How openly Mr. Fulghum reminds usof all this.

Cover should read, "Childish thoughts on useless ideas."
Hello, I want to speak to the middle American audience of morons that theauthor of the Kindergarten book was obviously appealing to. Quite simply,this book is aimed at childish, uneducated saps. I don't know how else toput it. After reading about 6 or 7 of these "uncommon thoughts oncommon things," I couldn't take it any more. The writing reminds me ofsome reflective journal work I did in seventh grade. Even that gives toomuch credit to the book. Basically, the author took a multitude of ideasand wrote about 2 pages on them. If you think this is enough to provide anyinsightful information on the chosen topic, you are wrong. Also, the authorthinks he has a sense of humor. Let's just say that he isn't. The writingis childish (I honestly wonder how many people had to help him out on thisone) and the thoughts are DUMB. Let me wrap up the book for you: Communistsare people too, and deaf mutes deserve our pity! NO JOKE. Jesus did youlike the part where he describes the 500 uses of a dandelion!? DONT WASTEYOUR TIME. ... Read more

Product Description
A book to raise the spirits and warm the heart. Includes the famous Kindergarten essay that was read on the floor of the U.S. Senate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Why all the hype?
I was alerted to this book in graduate school. Having a vague memory of it, I ordered a big print copy which arrived clean but with yellowy pages. Why all the hype? It's ok but sometimes I think it got a lot of fame because a distinguished male wrote it. Really, you can find better books!

Better Than 20 Years Ago
I read and lost the first publication of this neat little book, so my only legal option was to buyanother 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.

Fulghum does it again
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.

One of my all-time favorite books...
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Book Review
Fulgum's conversational style makes this an easy, relaxing read.It's full of good reminders about enjoying life and how to treat our fellow man. ... Read more