Journal Entry 1 by Ri from Cincinnati, Ohio USA on Saturday, October 09, 2010

I had always been a little lukewarm on Elmo. After all, I didn't grow up watching him on Sesame Street. I was more of a Grover devotee. But reading this book has made a true Elmo fan. There were so many moving parts of this memoir. What a gift Kevin Clash has been to the world and what fantastic parents he had to nurture his talents so that he would be able to fully share them with the world. I also really appreciated that Kevin was Goriddle Gorilla on The Great Space Coaster. Man, I loved that show!

Yes, the world could use a little more Elmo!  

Journal Entry 2 by Ri at RABCK, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Thursday, December 09, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (12/10/2010 UTC) at RABCK, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I'm sending this one on to my pal, VeganMedusa who was it on her wishlist. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 3 by VeganMedusa at Invercargill, Southland New Zealand on Monday, December 20, 2010

Thanks Ri! I too was more of a Grover fan but have come to appreciate Elmo (in small doses) through my son. I've never heard of The Great Space Coaster, I don't think that show made it here. But this book sounds great.  

Journal Entry 4 by VeganMedusa at Invercargill, Southland New Zealand on Friday, May 27, 2011

I did like reading this guy's story, how he grew up as a black kid obsessed with making puppets. He had great parents that never forced him to go out and play with other kids, they were happy as long as he was happy doing his thing. I don't think there would have been many parents that understanding back then, or even now.
I didn't enjoy the preaching from Elmo so much. "Elmo has taught me..." Um, you do know that Elmo isn't real, right? Seeing your hand is up his butt, I really h...moreI did like reading this guy's story, how he grew up as a black kid obsessed with making puppets. He had great parents that never forced him to go out and play with other kids, they were happy as long as he was happy doing his thing. I don't think there would have been many parents that understanding back then, or even now.
I didn't enjoy the preaching from Elmo so much. "Elmo has taught me..." Um, you do know that Elmo isn't real, right? Seeing your hand is up his butt, I really hope Elmo isn't real. I understand that an autobiography without constant reference to Elmo might have lost some readers who really love Elmo. But I was more interested in the guy behind the muppet and an insight into the muppet world of Jim Henson, and I'm not of the Elmo-loving generation.
I think Elmo may be a kind of therapy for the author, letting him say and do things that he doesn't feel comfortable with showing in person. Which is great, really. But know when to stop, dude. It's sweet that you want to talk to your kid before she's born, but do it in your own voice, not Elmo's. That's just creepy. And I understand that you want to make a special video for your daughter-to-be of the trip to the hospital for the birth - that's sweet, even if you insist on narrating through Elmo. Your daughter may like to watch it some day, but remember your wife? The one in labour and about to give birth to your child? Your wife needs you now. I was not surprised that he and his wife split up.
Which is to say, he's obviously a sweet guy who is a great Dad and loves his work and loves bringing joy to children. But he might need to pull back a little on looking at the world through Elmo's eyes. 

Journal Entry 5 by VeganMedusa at Invercargill, Southland New Zealand on Thursday, June 09, 2011

Sent this to a bookmoocher.