It's been over ten years since Robert Fulghum has published a book of his essays, but he is back and in fine form with What on Earth Have I Done?, encouraging listeners to slow down and pay attention to the miracles, sometimes hilarious and sometimes serious, that can be found around us: trick-or-treating with your grandchildren dressed like a large rabbit, pots of daffodils in mid-November, a view of the earth from outer space, the mysterious night sounds of the desert, and the friendship one can strike up with someone who doesn't share the same language. Fulghum shows us that life's big questions—"What have I done with my life?," "How do I see myself?," "How do others see me?," "What will I be doing next?"—are best answered by appreciating the people in our communities, the members of our family, the world around us and our place in the solar system. What on Earth Have I Done? is classic Fulghum that shows us the wonder of everyday living with two feet planted firmly on the earth, one eye on the heavens and, at times, a tongue planted firmly in cheek.
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"Loved this book. I'm reading it for the radio service. Don't worry, I'm not marking it up. I'm just reading the stories at random. They'reshort enough so I can read six or seven in a session. It shouldn'ttake long for me to record it. Then I'll get it back to you. "
— Mom (4 out of 5 stars)
Fulghum's recounting is unhurried and leisurely, unfolding at a steady pace that works to reaffirm his message, namely to slow down and appreciate the world in which we live.
— Publishers Weekly" Robert Fulghum's observations on everyday life are inspiring and thought-provoking. Reading this book gave me a lift. "
— Chris, 2/12/2014" So I'm not sure if A)His writing is less interesting, etc. than when I read him in high school/early college OR B) If I'm a different reader now...Far fewer stories I dogearred to re-read later. And the organization of the book - following him from Seattle to Moab to Crete - seemed like a device to publish random essays that never made the cut before.... "
— Laura, 2/12/2014" the right book at the right time for me. I will seek other Robert Fulghum's works "
— Lance, 2/9/2014" He inspires me to write. When I grow up I want to be him. "
— Sheryl, 2/7/2014" I did enjoy this book. I loved the chapter on the meaning of life. Very moving stuff. It takes a different look at things and makes you realize that what we often see is not always the case. "
— Ben, 1/30/2014" Nice collection of very short thoughts by the most famous Unitarian Universalist minister in the world. "
— Patricia, 1/16/2014" I have read numerous Robert Fulghum books and can say this is one of his best. To be sure, he can be funny and even cutting, at times. But his wisdom is universal and incredibly human. A must read for those who wish to laugh, cry, and be inspired. "
— Joe, 1/7/2014" Robert Fulghum is a philosopher I can realate to. So optimistic, yet the words really get through. This book of short essays touches me. "
— Dana, 12/29/2013" This book is a series of vignettes, if you will, just about life in general. Fulghum is so upbeat without being sappy, inspirational without sappiness. The chapter about "Players" was my favorite. "
— Mary, 12/11/2013" Listening to audiobook version. "
— David, 12/8/2013" This is one were I wish you could do 1/2 stars. It's not quite 3, but it's not 4. "
— Pat, 12/3/2013" I recommend this book to anyone who knows me, or anyone that likes a well told story or anecdote. I really enjoyed his reading, & there are so many delights! Treat yourself to a listen... "
— Spider, 11/11/2013" A disappointing read. Having devoured his entertaining fare back in the early 90s, I was underwhelmed by this recent comeback. Worthy only of intelligence-devoid chain stores like Barnes & Noble and B. Dalton. "
— Erik, 6/13/2013" Needed something lighter after finishing "The Almost Moon". I love essays and this fit the bill. "
— Joyce, 2/11/2013" This guy writes essays about things he sees in everyday life. It doesn't sound very interesting, but it really is. At least check it out. It is good for provoking thoughts about stuff you wouldn't normally think about. "
— Samantha, 4/19/2012" Great read for when you have a few minutes to escape your day. Subjects are things we see each day and how we react. "
— JoAnn, 4/18/2012" We listened to this book on CD. It was entertaining and an easy listen while traveling. "
— Diane, 1/26/2012" This is the best yet. It's funny, uplifting, and thought=provoking at the same time. I consider him in the same genre as Anne Lamott or Erma Bombeck. "
— Shan, 12/25/2011" Some chapters much better than others. 28 - "Players" was fun. "
— Pete, 10/24/2011" A collection of essays. Some are slices of his life in Seattle. Much of this is from his time in Crete. I really enjoyed them. "
— Casie, 10/10/2011" This book of essays is actually a 3+, if there only were such a thing. I have only read, besides this collection, Fulghum's first two books, which I give 4 stars. I liked this one, also, but somehow it seemed less original. The essays were mostly very good. Some language, but not overly serious. "
— Bev, 7/18/2011" Mr. Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten has struck again. I love his observations and his views of the Seattle area make me homesick from time to time. "
— Kelly, 4/5/2011" Bummer. <br/><br/><br/>I don't know if I have just outgrown Fulgham, or if he is not the writer he once was. But, this was an icky, boring book. I was so disappointed. "
— Relyn, 2/26/2011" There were about 4 essays I would give 4 stars to: Moab, UT; men, little boys and flashlights!; washers and dryers make one sock, they don't eat one!; and one about Christmas. The rest I wasn't so interested in. "
— Kathy, 2/22/2011" He inspires me to write. When I grow up I want to be him. "
— Sheryl, 1/24/2011" I usually like Robert Fulghum, but not this one. Not interesting, not thought provoking, and very disjointed. "
— Marianne, 1/12/2011" This is the best yet. It's funny, uplifting, and thought=provoking at the same time. I consider him in the same genre as Anne Lamott or Erma Bombeck. "
— Shan, 11/10/2010" All of Robert Fulghum's books are a fun read--from his point of view-there are many books by him--you'll enjoy anyone of them--i did. "
— Janet, 9/20/2010" Quote: <br/>"It is better to have a bleeding heart than to have no heart at all." Amen Mr. Fulghum Amen. "
— Stephanie, 6/8/2010" Although I don't normally enjoy this style of easy going yet pungent blend of "kitchen" philosophy, this book really works well. It combines three setting where the author lives each year Seattle, Moab, and somewhere on Crete. It reads well on CD or in book form. "
— Maggie, 5/13/2010" ONly one truly funny story in the collection "
— Bruce, 3/15/2010" Great read for when you have a few minutes to escape your day. Subjects are things we see each day and how we react. "
— JoAnn, 1/28/2010" I have read numerous Robert Fulghum books and can say this is one of his best. To be sure, he can be funny and even cutting, at times. But his wisdom is universal and incredibly human. A must read for those who wish to laugh, cry, and be inspired. "
— Joe, 9/11/2009Robert Fulghum is the bestselling author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and numerous other books. He grew up in Waco, Texas and now divides his time among Seattle, Utah, and Crete.