“The impact God has planned for us doesn’t occur when we’re pursuing impact. It occurs when we’re pursuing God.”
Phil Vischer, Me, Myself, and Bob
Title: Me, Myself, & Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables
Author: Phil Vischer
Genres: Non-fiction, Memoir, Christian
Pages: 272 (Paperback)
Published: January 9th, 2007
My Rating: ★★★★★
Read: 12/19/2022 – 12/23/2022
Review:
I grew up watching VeggieTales, oblivious to what a milestone it was in animation at the time. I also didn’t know much about its history or why the formats changed as I got older. I can’t claim I ever ‘grew out’ of the show. I still like watching it now and then for nostalgia, but I never would have guessed the turbulent yet inspiring story behind its creator.
Phil Vischer tells his story about how he founded Big Idea Productions and the subsequent rise and fall of the company. Intertwined is Phil’s faith journey and how watching his dream collapse profoundly impacted his spiritual life. The story is touching but also told in a lighthearted way accompanied by witty narration and positivity.
As I read, I wondered why I’d put off reading this for so long despite it being at the top of my TBR pile for over a year. When I got to the end, the sentiments resonated so deeply with me that it was clear that now was the time I needed to hear it and not a moment sooner. Whether you grew up watching Bob and Larry or are looking for an inspirational read, I emphatically recommend this book.
Likes & Dislikes:
What I liked:
- The wit, though that’s not surprising given the comedic tone of VeggieTales.
- The book gave an interesting look into animation in the 1990s.
- Though not necessarily central to the book, there were glimpses into different spiritualities. Of course, Phil Vischer’s own experiences were the most delved into.
- Phil Vischer’s humility. It’s not easy to fess up to your shortcomings and apologize so publicly.
What I didn’t like:
- Lots of uses of the phrase, “More on that later…” My short-term memory is awful. I absolutely didn’t remember the initial context of something mentioned once a certain fact was finally presented in full.
Afterthoughts:
I would love a follow-up book sometime. I know from videos I’ve found on YouTube that VeggieTales is actively (as of 2022) being made again — and from what I understand with Phil Vischer at the helm. I also liked that the book wasn’t overtly preachy. It was enlightening.