Big Russ and Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life
By Tim Russert
Book Description
Veteran newsman and Meet the Press moderator Tim Russert is known for his direct and unpretentious style and in this charming memoir he explains why. Russert’s father is profiled as a plainspoken World War II veteran who worked two blue-collar jobs while raising four kids in South Buffalo but the elder Russert’s lessons on how to live an honest, disciplined, and ethical life are shown to be universal. Big Russ and Me, a sort of Greatest Generation meets Tuesdays with Morrie, could easily have become a sentimental pile of mush with a son wistfully recalling the wisdom of his beloved dad. But both Russerts are far too down-to-earth to let that happen and the emotional content of the book is made more direct, accessible, and palatable because of it. The relationship between father and son, contrary to what one would think of as essential to a riveting memoir, seems completely healthy and positive as Tim, the academically gifted kid and later the esteemed TV star and political operative relies on his old man, a career sanitation worker and newspaper truck driver, for advice. Big Russ and Me also traces Russert’s life from working-class kid to one of broadcast journalism’s top interviewers by introducing various influential figures who guided him along the way, including Jesuit teachers, nuns, his dad’s drinking buddies, and, most notably, the late New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whom Russert helped get elected in 1976. Plenty of entertaining anecdotes are served up along the way from schoolyard pranks to an attempt to book Pope John Paul II on the Today Show. Though not likely to revolutionize modern thought, Big Russ and Me will provide fathers and sons a chance to reflect on lessons learned between generations. –Charlie Williams
Book Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #7 in Books
- Published on: 2005-05-11
- Released on: 2005-05-11
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 352 pages
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Veteran newsman and Meet the Press moderator Tim Russert is known for his direct and unpretentious style and in this charming memoir he explains why. Russert’s father is profiled as a plainspoken World War II veteran who worked two blue-collar jobs while raising four kids in South Buffalo but the elder Russert’s lessons on how to live an honest, disciplined, and ethical life are shown to be universal. Big Russ and Me, a sort of Greatest Generation meets Tuesdays with Morrie, could easily have become a sentimental pile of mush with a son wistfully recalling the wisdom of his beloved dad. But both Russerts are far too down-to-earth to let that happen and the emotional content of the book is made more direct, accessible, and palatable because of it. The relationship between father and son, contrary to what one would think of as essential to a riveting memoir, seems completely healthy and positive as Tim, the academically gifted kid and later the esteemed TV star and political operative relies on his old man, a career sanitation worker and newspaper truck driver, for advice. Big Russ and Me also traces Russert’s life from working-class kid to one of broadcast journalism’s top interviewers by introducing various influential figures who guided him along the way, including Jesuit teachers, nuns, his dad’s drinking buddies, and, most notably, the late New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whom Russert helped get elected in 1976. Plenty of entertaining anecdotes are served up along the way from schoolyard pranks to an attempt to book Pope John Paul II on the Today Show. Though not likely to revolutionize modern thought, Big Russ and Me will provide fathers and sons a chance to reflect on lessons learned between generations. –Charlie Williams
Reader Reviews
A Must Read!
Tim Russert unexpected death shocked us all. My heart sunk when I heard of this tragedy. The Today show anchors were all very emotional when speaking of their colleague. This speaks volumes for the love of the people who knew him.
He was loved and respected by many friends and fans. He was one of the few political reporters that gave us both sides of the story. When he talked we listened and knew it was a strong and valid opinion to hear.
Merna
Great read
What a great book. I’ll miss you Mr. Russert.
Joel Simkhai
great story by a good man
I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Tim Russert. Obviously I didnt know him on a personal basis, only through the media. But he made each and every one of us feel he was our best friend. I saw a man who was deeply religious, sweet, good, loving of his country and a great father, husband and friend. You could tell how important family was to him and this book only solidifies the obvious. Warm and touching, it is a great read. Not just for father’s, but for everyone. You were bigger then life. Thank you Tim, you will be sorely missed.
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