Maybe (Maybe Not) (Maybe Not : Second Thoughts from a Secret Life) [Mass Market Paperback]

Robert Fulghum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995 | Series: Maybe Not : Second Thoughts from a Secret Life

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
I once began a list of the contradictory notions I hold:
Look before you leap.
He who hesitates is lost.
Two heads are better than one.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Better safe than sorry.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
You can't tell a book by its cover.
Clothes make the man.
Many hands make light work.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
It's never too late to learn.
Never sweat the small stuff.
God is in the details.
And so on. The list goes on forever. Once I got so caught up in this kind of thinking that I wore two buttons on my smock when I was teaching art. One said, "Trust me, I'm a teacher." The other replied, "Question Authority."
[signature]
Fulghum

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author's missionary spirit glows even brighter in his fourth book than in its bestselling predecessors All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten et al. In this collection of "second thoughts from a secret life," he uses musings about ironing a shirt, conducting the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth and selling school chocolate to emphasize the give and take, the unpredictability of the well-lived life. What Fulghum says of Einstein could well apply to himself: "Ambiguity remains at the end of the equation of his best thinking." If a chapter on the consumption of urine by certain cultures is distasteful, Fulghum's ruminations nevertheless make zesty entertainment. His many fans will enjoy his latest contribution and accept his invitation to join him for singing and storytelling on the "22 Cities, 22 Causes, One Good Reason Tour" he'll be making from September through November to benefit Literacy Volunteers, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and other causes.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

YA-Fulghum shares some of his insights with readers. They include episodic, kaleidoscopic mental explorations of events observed or imagined. YAs may be surprised at the commonalities between one adult male's perspectives and their own. Points to ponder abound. Whether read straight through or dipped into for a couple of minutes, beginning on almost any page, this engaging narrative offers a break from the daily grind.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ivy Books (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804111154
• ISBN-13: 978-0804111157
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.7 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Happiness
  • #41 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Self-Esteem
  • #65 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Careers > General

More About the Author

Robert Fulghum is the bestselling author of "All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten," "It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It," "Uh-Oh," "Maybe (Maybe Not)," "From Beginning To End," "Words I Wish I Wrote," "True Love," and "What On Earth Have I Done?"

"Third Wish" is his first novel, published originally in Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian. He lives in Seattle, Washington and on the Greek island of Crete.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening & entertaining, December 5, 2004

By 

Z. William Arkosy (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maybe (Maybe Not) (Maybe Not : Second Thoughts from a Secret Life) (Mass Market Paperback)

I really liked Fulghum's casual, laid-back style of writing. "Maybe (Maybe Not)" was a very easy, fun, quick read. He's very optimistic and upbeat and tries to convey his outlook on life to his audience. He's got a lot of great thoughts from totally different areas of life. He only spends a couple of pages on one topic and moves on to something completely different. He's got a really good sense of humor and unlike most self-help type of books, he's not preachy in the least bit. Really enjoyable and highly recommended!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Fans of Fulghum!, June 9, 2007

By 

Wendi R. Smith "reedzalot" (Williamsport, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Robert Fulghum is the master of telling complex stories in a simple, down-home manner. As such, I think I'd be paying him tribute most effectively if I kept this review simple. Suffice to say, if you've read and enjoyed other books by Mr. Fulghum, you'll definitely enjoy this one. By all means, read it. Read it more than once! You won't regret it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fulghum touches the soul, October 18, 2008

By 

Richard F. Gordon "Thoreau" (Fairview, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maybe (Maybe Not) (Maybe Not : Second Thoughts from a Secret Life) (Mass Market Paperback)

I've read and/or listened to all of Fulghum's books. This book lives up to his high standard of reading enjoyment and prys open one's introspect. Like most of his books, they end too soon.