Book Discussions - Book Discussion Questions

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Library Thing http://www.bookbrowse.com/reading_guides/detail/index.cfm?book_number=1560

Questions

1. Did your opinion about Tim Madigan change as book went on? In what way?

2. Who do you think got more out of their friendship, Fred Rogers or Tim? In what ways? How do you think each would answer this question?

3. Do you think Tim would have come back to his relationship with his brother if Steve hadn't been ill?

4. Discuss Tim and his brother Steve's relationship throughout the book. Do you think Tim should have been tougher on him? Easier? How does his friendship with Fred Rogers change his attitude toward his brother?

5. Do you think Tim would have re-established his relationship with his father if Steve hadn't been dying?

Let's Talk About Death

6. Mister Rogers' death is a public event? How is it similar to other public deaths we've experienced as a society? How is it different? How is this different from Steve's death?

7. Steve referred to his mother's hands as "healing hands." What did he mean? How did Mister Rogers' relationship with Tim's family help them in the healing process? Has there been someone in your life with "healing hands" or has helped you through a painful situation? Talk about other literary, historical, political, or religious figures who have also served this purpose.

8. Most of us have read of people discussing the way they'd like to die, or, perhaps, have been a part of that conversation. One common thought is that it would be best to live a long, healthy life and then die suddenly in one's sleep. After reading this book, what do you think about that?

9. Fred Rogers mother, Nancy McFeely Rogers told him to look for helpers in times of tragedy. Has this been your experience with tragedies? Who would you choose as your helpers and why?

Let's Talk About Meaning

10. Tim Madigan wrote that on the wall of Fred Rogers' office was the phrase: What is essential is invisible to the eye. After reading this book, what does that phrase mean to you? Give some examples.

11. Talk about the role of meaningful friendship and mentoring, in the book and in Tim and Fred Rogers relationship. How did this effect Tim's personal relationships?

13. Tim tells Fred Rogers the "star fish story." (p. 77). Talk about this as a metaphor for the book and for being a "good neighbor".

14. Tim and Fred Rogers share and exchange lots of books and poems. What books or poems would you share with your friends or family?

15. Discuss the book in terms of structure, voice, and tone, paying attention to Tim Madigan's use of letters, email and phone conversations. How do his choices add to the meaning?

16. Fred Rogers sent Tim a copy of the book Tuesdays With Morrie. How are these two books similar? How are they different?

Let's Talk About Relationships

17. Fred Rogers signs off on his correspondence with Tim with the letters: "IPOY". Why is this meaningful to Tim? How would you sign correspondence to your friends and family?

18. Discuss Tim's relationship with his mother. Contrast that with his relationship with his father. How does Tim's friendship with Mister Rogers change these relationships?

19. On September 2, 2002 Fred Rogers was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Bush spoke of Fred Rogers' message of unconditional love. Who in your life has given you unconditional love? Who have you given unconditional love to and why?

20. Fred Rogers said "There is a thin veil between this life and whatever comes after it." In what ways do you agree or disagree with this statement? What does this statement mean to you?