More time with Ed Taylor

By Maggie Block

A few years into Donald Trump’s first presidency, there were two Mr. Rogers movies that came out in quick succession: a documentary and a fictional depiction (where Rogers was played by Tom Hanks). At the time, critics discussed how these movies were being made, and audiences were flocking to them because there was a deep desire to spend time with a kind and caring man, in response to the arrogance and cruelty we saw from the man in the highest office in our land.

Sadly, here we find ourselves yet again, a few years into a Trump presidency, and I, at least, once again may be desperate for some positive and gentle masculinity. Since I first met Ed Taylor via video call, I knew he was a generous and compassionate man, and I was instantly excited about introducing the world to this beautiful example of kind masculinity.

We have two delightful videos to share with you today. Yanet Giles, our incomparable Associate, sat down with The Power of the River author, Ed Taylor. She had thoughtful questions about Ed’s book, and played a game with him! We collected some clips of our favorite fictional teachers and asked Ed, a scholar of education, to rate them all as adept or inept.

We hope you enjoy these absolute mench of a man, and if you do, perhaps you could consider sharing these videos with people who need positive examples of men too.

And if you’re so inclined, you can still see Ed live at one of his upcoming book talk events, May 22 at Elliott Bay Book Co, and June 22 at Folio.