You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success

Today cohost Roker (Ruthless Tide) recalls his 40-year broadcasting career in a sweet memoir sprinkled with homespun advice. A Queens, N.Y., native, Roker talks excitedly about working as a weekend weatherperson in Syracuse in the 1970s while still attending college; taking a job in Washington, D.C., then in Cleveland, Ohio, where he had his first weekday gig in a major market; and returning to N.Y.C. to work first at WNBC, the local news channel, then at the Today show. A self-described nerd who has a stuffed animal collection in his office, Roker specializes in light on-air banter, and the book’s tone mirrors his TV personality. He’s most amusing when he shares goofy career mishaps, like the time he wore contact lenses instead of eyeglasses during a broadcast and blinked so much that concerned viewers started calling in, or the one and only time he slept through his alarm and was almost late for his Today segment (the incident made the news the next day). Throughout, Roker shares innocuous bits of advice (always work hard, he stresses) and encouragement (“It doesn’t matter that you’re not the star; it matters that you’re part of the constellation”). This sunny, pleasant book is perfect for Roker fans or anyone in need of a quick pick me up. (July)