Art Linkletter

Art Linkletter was a Canadian-born American radio and television host who became one of the most recognizable media personalities of the mid-20th century. His career spanned more than five decades, with his most famous shows being "People Are Funny" (1942-1960) and "House Party" (1945-1969). Linkletter authored several bestselling books, including "Kids Say the Darndest Things" (1957), which was based on his popular interviews with children on "House Party." The book sold over 2 million copies and spawned multiple sequels, establishing Linkletter as an authority on family entertainment and children's perspectives. A skilled entrepreneur beyond broadcasting, Linkletter invested in various business ventures including real estate, oil wells, and manufacturing. Following the drug-related death of his daughter Diane in 1969, he became an outspoken anti-drug advocate and public speaker, addressing youth and parent groups across the country. Linkletter's influence on American popular culture extended well into his later years, and he received numerous accolades including multiple Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of family-oriented entertainment and humanitarian work.

Readers remember Art Linkletter's books, particularly "Kids Say the Darndest Things," for capturing authentic, humorous moments with children. Many Amazon reviewers note the book's ability to remain entertaining decades after publication, with one reader stating "the innocence and honesty of children's responses are timeless." Readers appreciated: - Simple, clean humor suitable for all ages - Short format making it easy to read in segments - Historical value as a snapshot of 1950s America - Genuine child responses that ring true to parents Common criticisms: - Some jokes and references feel dated - Repetitive format - Questions occasionally seem staged Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.5/5 from 168 reviews Goodreads: 3.9/5 from 802 ratings Multiple readers mention buying copies as gifts for grandparents or keeping the book in waiting rooms. Several teachers report using excerpts to demonstrate how children's perspectives have or haven't changed over time.

Kids Say the Darndest Things (1957) A collection of humorous conversations between Linkletter and children from his television and radio shows, featuring their unscripted responses to various questions.

Old Age is Not for Sissies (1988) Personal reflections and advice on aging, drawn from Linkletter's experiences and observations of growing older.

I Wish I'd Known That Before I Was 65! (2002) Practical guidance about retirement planning, health care, and lifestyle choices for seniors.

How to Be a Super Parent (1962) Guidelines and suggestions for parents based on Linkletter's observations from interviewing thousands of children and families.

People Are Funny (1947) A compilation of memorable moments and stories from Linkletter's radio show of the same name.

Confessions of a Happy Man (1960) Autobiographical work detailing Linkletter's life story, career in broadcasting, and personal philosophy.

Oops! Or, Life's Awful Moments (1967) Collection of embarrassing and awkward real-life situations gathered from Linkletter's interactions with his audience and guests.

Dale Carnegie wrote books on personal development and human relationships from the 1930s-1950s. His work focused on practical advice for connecting with others and finding success through a positive mindset.

Norman Vincent Peale published self-help books emphasizing optimism and faith-based personal growth in the mid-20th century. His writing style combined anecdotes and practical guidance similar to Linkletter's approach.

Erma Bombeck wrote about family life and parenting with humor from the 1960s through 1990s. She shared observations about everyday situations and featured interviews with regular people.

Bennett Cerf published books of humor and wit in the mid-20th century while also telling stories from his experiences in publishing and television. His work included compilations of jokes, anecdotes, and interactions with entertainment personalities.

Andy Rooney wrote about observations of daily life and American culture from the 1960s through 2000s. His books featured short essays and commentary based on conversations with ordinary people, similar to Linkletter's "Kids Say the Darndest Things" format.