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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “The Schulz family doesn't like this book, and that brought some well-deserved attention. Schulz and his relationship with the strip and its characters is complex, far more so than his contemporary media image. |
Didn’t Like It “I couldn't finish the book because I found his outlook on life too depressing.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“I didn't have any clue about Charles Schulz except that he is the creator of Peanuts. My husband is the Peanuts fan and I got this book for him (because of the cover!!). Nothing stopped me from reading it though...
Tien H wrote this review Saturday, December 3, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The first half of the book was pretty easygoing but then, it was a bit of a slog for me until nearly the end. It was, however, mostly due to how unhappy he was during his first marriage and how this is mirrored in his comic strips. At this stage, I wasn't sure whether I was regretting reading his biography or not because really, I would prefer not to know because now, everytime I read the comics, I'd be analysing at what stage of his life it was drawn.
I applaud [author:David Michaelis] for the thoroughness (well, I don't know very much but it seems very thorough) of his book. I just can't imagine the fantastical amount of researching & analysing that he would have done to produce such a work.”“I couldn't finish the book because I found his outlook on life too depressing.”
kread wrote this review Friday, July 1, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Liked the book, love the comic, not sure I like Charles Schulz at all now. What a jerk!”
Sue L wrote this review Saturday, March 12, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I actually had a hard time getting through this book.
Bethany R wrote this review Thursday, February 24, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
it's 650 pages.
and while I never shy away from a long book (in fact, I relish in them), to be completely honest, charles schulz's life just wasn't that interesting.
300 page biography interesting? yes.
you could even make a case for 400 page biography interesting.
but 650 page biography interesting?
nope.
if I had to hear one more time about how he was different as a child, how he had loving mother complexes, how he felt superior to his cousins, etc etc etc, I was going to give up for good.
yes, these years and feelings shaped his life, affected his choices and pretty much made the peanuts cartoon what it was. but I think repeating the same sentiment 5 times over is enough. no need to repeat it 12 times.
and the thing is, the last 20 years or so of his life are almost skimmed over.
here, oddly enough, I felt cheated. I wanted to know more.
less first 8 years. more last 20 years.
but all that aside, it's still pretty interesting.
and there are lots of peanuts cartoons scattered throughout to keep you interested.
and the book really does make you appreciate his unique genius, especially considering the era in which he grew up.
you just may have to space it out.
not read it all in one go.
[also, don't try reading two biographies at once like I did. not a good idea...]
it's a solid decent book.
not horrible.
but not phenomenal either.”
“Surprisingly grim -- author emphasizing all the sad parts of "Sparky's" (Charles) Schultz's life. Seems like he's overdoing it. Also this book needs serious paring down at 600+ pages. But on the other hand, it's wonderful to have this bio of the genius who created my favorite little people in the whole world, Peanuts.”
Denise B wrote this review Monday, January 17, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Did not finish- sloooooow pace.”
Maren K wrote this review Wednesday, January 12, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“It was interesting to see how his personal life influenced his cartoons.”
Lucy L wrote this review Thursday, October 7, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Extremely informative. Being a huge Peanuts fan, I was excited to read about Charles Schulz, but also dismayed (?) at how complicated and melancholy his life was. Interesting read. ”
Laura S wrote this review Wednesday, September 29, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I have only read the first couple of chapters, but it is very surprising that Schultz was a very private man. He was in HS when his mom died and was drafted.
Barb M wrote this review Thursday, May 19, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This is a great insight into Charles Schultz life behind Peanuts and how his insecurities were portrayed.
Interesting and explains cartooning aspects as well.”
