|
I bought this copy for my son-in-law who is an avid reader. You can clearly hear Tim Russert's voice as you read this book. I know he will have great connections to his dad. There were so many connections that I could make to his family, growing up, and the problems and decisions he encountered. I didn't want the book to end. Recently, he became the father of a son as well. I know he will think about all the life lessons that he will want to pass on to his son.
these are some of the landmarks of Russert's youth, and if you are of that time, they're yours too. He asked the hard questions of his high-profile Sunday morning guests, and his astute coverage of U.S. If you grew up in South Buffalo as Russert did, don't even think about missing this book.I'm not sure it's enough, from a man so steeped in American culture and politics. political elections was legendary. If you are Irish American, you'll know exactly what Russert was feeling when John Kennedy was shot and killed. It's interesting that Tim Russert chose to write such a sentimental first book. If you were raised in the Catholic church and schools of that era, the details of Russert's primary years at "parochial school" will strike a chord.
There is nothing hard-hitting about this tender memoir. When Russert died unexpectedly in June 2008, the outpouring of tributes was overwhelming.Any person so well known and respected can be expected to write a book; people want to know all about the forces that shaped such a focused life, and we surely want to know all the secrets and details involving other players on the world stage. What books would he have given us, I wonder, if he'd lived out his expected life span. Just know that's what you are getting, when you pick it up.
In his career as journalist and host of NBC's Meet the Press, Tim Russert was known for being prepared. You may not have gone to an elite Jesuit high school, but perhaps you worked hard to put yourself through university in that time of upheaval; maybe that was a huge milestone for your family, a good degree from a good college. There were challenges; the death of the Kent State students rocked universities badly, and during the Vietnam War the student draft deferment was a powerful incentive to stay in school even for those who saw the social injustice in it. That painful time, John and Martin and then, unbelievably, Bobby. Timothy Joseph "Big Russ" Russert features in many scenes, but he was certainly not the author of the environment in which young Tim grew up. It's a nice feel-good book and there's always room for that. Time Magazine named his as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008. Russert goes on to tell of his work with Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Mario Cuomo, but the heart of "Big Russ and Me" is the American Dream as realized by baby boom families raising children in the 1950s and 60s.
Despite the title, this book is definitely a memoir. If you were born in America in the middle of the 20th century, the simple family values expressed in Big Russ and Me : Father and Son: Lessons of Life will feel almost excruciatingly poignant. Those "Wonder Years" have a soft focus, and "Big Russ and Me" is a pleasant addition but gives us nothing new, asks no hard questions. Four stars.Linda Bulger, 2009
Being from Buffalo, having met him in 1991, and being a big fan of his Meet The Press--yes, I had a lot of personal interest in the story. This book was not meant to be a nuanced portrait, so you won't like it if that is what you are looking for. There is a lot that is missing that could have gone into the book, but then again, I would not have read a 1,000 page opus. Russert's tale is simple and straightforward. He's and trying to remember a lot of the good things he learned over his too-short life. What I like best is how the book showcases Tim--his optimism, his work ethic, his faith and his lack of pretense. And for that, its worth reading even if you aren't from Western New York.
This is truly one of the best books I ever read. So much of what he wrote brought back so many memories He wrote this book just like he talked. I just loved it. I am from Western NY also, and a year younger than Tim. Each chapter was a different segment of his life. My biggest regret is that I did not read it while he was still with us so I could let him know how much I enjoyed it.I recommend this book highly.
This Book is a Comfort to read. The memories and good feelings that this book conjures up of being raised basically the same way the Russert Family was is very refreshing. We need the young people of today to read books like these to appreciate what life really is or should be about. I totally recommend this book.
|
