An American Original: Walt Disney

[Loneknight]

Last night, I finished reading the above mentioned book, and it was one of the few books I have ever read in my entire life that had moved me to tears. If you truly are hard-core Disney fans, do yourself a big favor, and read this book. Read it again if you have to, I probably will.

This isn't just a traditional "Here's Walt, this is what he did, end of story" type of biography. Bob Thomas, who had full access to all Disney resources, retells the account of Walt's life in such a way that you can't help but feel right there, watching it all take place. Stories that Bob related to Walts time as an ambulance driver in France, to going bankrupt in Marceline and venturing out to Hollywood, all to his final moments with Walt Disney World....this isn't just another book that tells the accomplishments of one man, it weaves a beautiful story that is not only informative, but adds to it a lot of reality: Walt was not a perfect individual, but all he did he did for the world and for his business. At times, Walt seemed so absorbed in making others happy, you would often forget that his own happiness was being satisfied each time a picture came out, or a new project was underway, or when he walked through Disneyland late at night with his bathrobe on, asking some carpenters if they wanted to get an orange juice at the ol' Sunkist juice store because he had the key.

Thomas strives in keeping a great balance of humor and drama as he goes through Walt's life, and once you begin to pick up a pattern in Bob's writing you find yourself reading faster until the end paragraph (or the end of the chapter) when he quotes Walt as saying something that, well, is Walt. Usually, Bob would end a paragraph or chapter with something that was said from Walt that just added to his character, and in this kept you reading as you constantly learned more about the ways in which Mr. Disney worked. A lot of CEOs and bosses could learn a thing or two from ol' Walt.

What I found interesting was, Bob didn't delve much into the personal, family life of Walt, with some good reason: Walt was a private man for the most part. His family life wasn't unobstructed by the press, and he kept it that way. Even at his funeral, the entire ceremony was kept amongst family. Still, when Bob spoke of Walt's family life, it added to the relief and to the reality that Walt was just a regular human being, but it was inside that was unbelievable, and extraordinary. In fact one of my favorites quotes after Walt opened Disneyland was when someone told him there was nothing left for Walt to do, except walk on water. Walt leaned over an said, "I already tried that, it didn't work."

I could go on and on about this wonderful book. What's more is that I go on and on about Walt. There is just so much in this volume that would most certainly take me another time to read again, it is that good! You really, honestly get a much more personal feel for Walt than just seeing him through re-runs of Walt Disney presents, or when walking through the parks. I think also, the next time I go to Disneyland, it'll have a more intimate feel to it, and I'll imagine that time when, late at night, Walt sat on a park bench across from the Rivers of America, alone, just admiring the Mark Twain as it sat, awaiting the new day.

The last thing is, this is not a book which shoots Walt down. In fact, this was why I held off reading the book for so long: for some people, their heroes often remain heroes. Most people that have met their heroes turn around and tell me that it wasn't what they expected. With Bob Thomas' book, that hero I pictured in my mind, that idol and mentor whom gave the world his all, is much more of an idol in my mind than before I read this. Thomas' portrayal of Walt brings so much justice to Disney, brings so much honesty and compassion, you will finish the last page with one word, "Wow." From a small-town boy who didn't even go to college, who believed in what he could do with an unfaltering optimism and dedicated stride....Walt should be the inspiration for any child, for any adult, for anyone who just dreams, and believes that dreams can come true.

[TimmyII]

I agree, this book is totally awesome! I purchased a copy of it about 2 years ago and have read it a couple of times. What a great insight to a man who has had the second most influence in my life (next to my parents).

If you haven't read it, READ IT!

[ShrunkenNed]

Agreed. This is a wonderful book! Now read the companion piece "Building A Company: Roy Disney" by the same author, Bob Thomas. Though it is technically a biography of Roy, it is very insightful into the relationship between the two brothers and how the company worked. It's also just as moving as well, especially in dealing with the death of Walt. Also wonderful because the two books are really companion pieces, not repeating themselves. Must reads, indeed!

[Piglet]

Originally Posted by Loneknight

Last night, I finished reading the above mentioned book, and it was one of the few books I have ever read in my entire life that had moved me to tears. If you truly are hard-core Disney fans, do yourself a big favor, and read this book. Read it again if you have to, I probably will.

This isn't just a traditional "Here's Walt, this is what he did, end of story" type of biography. Bob Thomas, who had full access to all Disney resources, retells the account of Walt's life in such a way that you can't help but feel right there, watching it all take place. Stories that Bob related to Walts time as an ambulance driver in France, to going bankrupt in Marceline and venturing out to Hollywood, all to his final moments with Walt Disney World....this isn't just another book that tells the accomplishments of one man, it weaves a beautiful story that is not only informative, but adds to it a lot of reality: Walt was not a perfect individual, but all he did he did for the world and for his business. At times, Walt seemed so absorbed in making others happy, you would often forget that his own happiness was being satisfied each time a picture came out, or a new project was underway, or when he walked through Disneyland late at night with his bathrobe on, asking some carpenters if they wanted to get an orange juice at the ol' Sunkist juice store because he had the key.

Thomas strives in keeping a great balance of humor and drama as he goes through Walt's life, and once you begin to pick up a pattern in Bob's writing you find yourself reading faster until the end paragraph (or the end of the chapter) when he quotes Walt as saying something that, well, is Walt. Usually, Bob would end a paragraph or chapter with something that was said from Walt that just added to his character, and in this kept you reading as you constantly learned more about the ways in which Mr. Disney worked. A lot of CEOs and bosses could learn a thing or two from ol' Walt.

What I found interesting was, Bob didn't delve much into the personal, family life of Walt, with some good reason: Walt was a private man for the most part. His family life wasn't unobstructed by the press, and he kept it that way. Even at his funeral, the entire ceremony was kept amongst family. Still, when Bob spoke of Walt's family life, it added to the relief and to the reality that Walt was just a regular human being, but it was inside that was unbelievable, and extraordinary. In fact one of my favorites quotes after Walt opened Disneyland was when someone told him there was nothing left for Walt to do, except walk on water. Walt leaned over an said, "I already tried that, it didn't work."

I could go on and on about this wonderful book. What's more is that I go on and on about Walt. There is just so much in this volume that would most certainly take me another time to read again, it is that good! You really, honestly get a much more personal feel for Walt than just seeing him through re-runs of Walt Disney presents, or when walking through the parks. I think also, the next time I go to Disneyland, it'll have a more intimate feel to it, and I'll imagine that time when, late at night, Walt sat on a park bench across from the Rivers of America, alone, just admiring the Mark Twain as it sat, awaiting the new day.

The last thing is, this is not a book which shoots Walt down. In fact, this was why I held off reading the book for so long: for some people, their heroes often remain heroes. Most people that have met their heroes turn around and tell me that it wasn't what they expected. With Bob Thomas' book, that hero I pictured in my mind, that idol and mentor whom gave the world his all, is much more of an idol in my mind than before I read this. Thomas' portrayal of Walt brings so much justice to Disney, brings so much honesty and compassion, you will finish the last page with one word, "Wow." From a small-town boy who didn't even go to college, who believed in what he could do with an unfaltering optimism and dedicated stride....Walt should be the inspiration for any child, for any adult, for anyone who just dreams, and believes that dreams can come true.

How ironic, I myself just finished this same book last night! I was going to hop on here and write a big post about what a fantastic book it was, then I read your post and it was so perfect that I have very little to add =) I totally agree with everything you wrote--this was one of the best books I've ever read in my life! It read as if you were watching a movie--like you were sitting there watching every moment of his life. I sat there and cried for about ten minutes after I finished it. I have so much more respect for Walt Disney than I did before I read it--which was a LOT. The next time I visit Disneyland, it will be a completely different experience for me. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everybody--especially dreamers of the world.

[Piglet]

Originally Posted by ShrunkenNed

Agreed. This is a wonderful book! Now read the companion piece "Building A Company: Roy Disney" by the same author, Bob Thomas. Though it is technically a biography of Roy, it is very insightful into the relationship between the two brothers and how the company worked. It's also just as moving as well, especially in dealing with the death of Walt. Also wonderful because the two books are really companion pieces, not repeating themselves. Must reads, indeed!

Thanks for the recommendation! I will try to hunt that one down next!

[linklewtt]

my dad got this for some CM thing (since he is one) and i immediately started reading it. i always read like 3 or 4 books at the same time, so i'm going pretty slow through this one, but ya it is very good so far. i'm in the 1930's right now with Walt trying to get distributors for Steamboat Willie, but i plan to finish it before Christmas (hopefully).

I just have one problem with the book...i hate the cover. I like the Mickey shadow, but Walt looks so strange. I have no idea why he would look like that lol.

[ShrunkenNed]

OK, I realize that you are entitled to your opinion, but look at it this way. This is a VERY early in his career Walt Disney photo, before the public knew him. Not the Walt that people remember, but one that was just starting out, one that had a vision. I see a man looking out at a bunch of doubters, thinking, "just wait and see." The adding of a shadow Mickey is a nice touch of forshadowing, but Walt looking strange? Just young. Something we're not used to seeing.

[diznyfreak]

Bob Thomas also wrote a fantastic book on Roy Disney, which kind of gives the other side of the great Disney brothers story. I loved both books and believe that are a must for any fan of Disney or Walt himself.