 Reaffirms the power of the story, the spoken word...what's not to love? |
| Reviewer: J. Marsano, Urban Gristle Mill |
Once in a while an idea comes along that's so simple, so pure, as to demand: why hasn't anyone done this before?
Accomplished freelance producer Jay Allison, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, struck upon reviving an mouldy-but-goldy: assemble articulate people to speak plainly, from the heart, about their deepest convictions.
This is no mean feat speaking from an age of irony, where the best are cowed into silence by the masses of twitch-and-click "comments" that infect our public airwaves and media. To stand before the public in open and naked invocation of the tenets and values nearest and dearest to our hearts is to invite the slings and arrows of a public reared on blithe and thoughtless commentary.
These speakers--celebrities and no-bodies, the ordinary and the extraordinary--toss caution to the wind and speak plainly, clearly. You won't find yourself in agreement with every speaker's values, but you will admire their candor and their willingness to stand in the harsh light. Who's here? The list goes on: Alice of Alice's Restaurant on the value of making it up as you go along; Frank Miller on the value of patriotism; Yasir Billoo on being raised an American; Sgt. Ernesto Haibi on belief in one another and mankind. These voices bear witness to the best we can be. The back of the CD slipcase says this collection belongs to the "Inspiration" section. This is the first time I've ever been un-apologetic about owning such an earnest, inspirational collection in my library.
If you are a fan of the Story Corps project, you'll find a spiritual consonance here. Both projects seek to recover the art of the story and the spoken word.
Would you like to believe? These are the voices of your family. These are the voices of your neighbors. It doesn't get much better than this. I recommend this highly. |
Positive Uplift
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| Reviewer: Texas Rose, ALBANY, GA USA |
Well, anything with NPR on it is usually good as far as I'm concerned, but this is just an amazing collection. I remember a few months back listening to some of these on the radio and being so impressed. I heard mostly the pieces that had been written by noted individuals, but I was impressed with NPR for opening the doors to the average person to share. I think this kind of nationa/world wide group involvement in co-creating something is a product of our current technological age - such as the My Space and You Tube sort of things.
But this collection of CDs is just so impressive. I was astounded to see that there are 5 CDs in the set, and there are many "just average folks" on here. I especially like the first piece on CD #3 about a young woman who is a waitress in a Texas diner. She selflessly helps out a customer and is later rewarded with the knowledge that her simple act may have radically changed someone's life. Her main idea is that you can create peace through one simple act of kindness.
I am on the road almost every weekend, so these have become a staple part of my listening while driving, and when my spouse or friends come along, these CD play an important part of our conversation. I have also started playing one selection a day for my students to discuss in class, and I love the fact that the pieces are short and lend themselves to great conversation. Many, if not all, of the items have topics simple enough to even upper elementary children to listen to and understand, so these could be great family conversation starters.
I just can't say enough good things about this positive and remarkable product, and I look forward to the next set.
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Great collection of essays
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| Reviewer: Sheri Fogarty, United States |
This is a terrific collection (5 CD's worth!) of short essays previously played on the NPR series, This I Believe is based on a series that was originally on Edward R. Murrow's radio program. It let individuals explain some of their personal beliefs and philosophies.
It's a diverse collection of 75 essays from people you might know, students, workers, CEO's and waitresses to others who are famous, Robert Fulghum, Tony Hawk and Craig, who started Craig's list!
Most of them are read by the author, which really helps to personalize each essay. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, but they will all give you something to think about. Wonderful and highly recommended!
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Something Worthy To Fill the Cluttered, Nervous Room of the Mind
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| Reviewer: Daniel Bay Gibbons, Salt Lake City, USA |
In 1951 Edward R. Murrow wrote: "What truths can a human being afford to furnish the cluttered nervous room of his mind with, when he has no real idea how long a lease he has on the future?" Murrow's original series, "This I Believe," and this follow up series by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman seeks to answer this compelling question, with resounding success.
I obtained this little set, with the hope of entertaining and diverting myself with a few feel-good moments during my long walks with my iPod. I walk eight miles a day, fifty-six miles a week, month in and month out, and listen to a lot of books. I sought entertainment and came away with something much more rare--edification and enlightenment!
A few random thoughts on this collection:
1. This set contains personal essays from seventy-five writers, each of 500 words or less and answering the question, "what do I believe?" While the collection itself is compelling and very moving, it seeks a much deeper objective--to influence the listener to write his or her own essay.
2. I love the fact that each essay is in the writer's own voice, not the voice of some professional reader in a recording studio. There is something about the tone, timbre, accent and cadence of each writer which adds power and conviction to each essay. It is as if the voice itself can steal unawares into the heart, surprising the listener with insights and emotions which go beyond the mere words.
3. I also love the fact that these essays represent people of all walks of life--the famous and the unknown--the eloquent and the homespun.
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This I believe . . .
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| Reviewer: Jerry Boldra, Houston, TX |
| I listened to these 75 "This I believe" opinions in my car as I made various trips around town over 5 days. 15-20 of the presentations were very good. Most of the remaining ones were better than hearing the songs on the radio one more time, but they were not impressive. I'm glad I bought these CD's, but I did not enjoy them as much as a good movie. |
OPENING THE HUMAN HEART; TOUCHING THE SOUL
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| Reviewer: Steven K. Szmutko, EWING, NJ USA |
"This I Believe II" is the second offering based upon the NPR Radio series, which in turn is based on the original series by the late Edward R. Murrow. There are 75 "essays" from both famous people and everyday people, many of the latter caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Offered in their own voices, these oral essays provide a glimpse into the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual core of men and women, whose experiences and relationships have shaped them to the persons they are today.
The common theme running throughout the 5-CD collection is the uniqueness of the individual soul. There are celebrities, craftsmen, poets, scholars, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and children of all ages. There are achievers, addicts, persons in pain and suffering, those who have learned from their mistakes and those who continue to struggle with their demons.
These voices remind us of the diversity of the human heart and the gift of human relationship. THIS I BELIEVE is a worthy companion on any journey.
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Has something for everybody
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| Reviewer: robgman, Anacortes, WA |
This is the second NPR issue of "This I Believe". I've been listening to NPR's "Most E-mailed Stories" podcasts for a couple of years now and every Monday they include a "This I Believe" essay. I've always felt that generally speaking the stuff NPR puts out is of exceptional quality and this CD demonstrates that. You're not going to like every essay on this CD but I do think every essay will get you thinking/philosophizing about yourself and life predicaments that you have faced or are likely to face.
Another bravo to NPR. |
Inspirational but overwhelming
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| Reviewer: K. Robertson, southern Virginia |
I am a solid fan of NPR radio (they are associated with the production of this compilation), and for years I've enjoyed hearing the 3-4 minute spots similar to the essays in these CDs, as part of their daily programming. So I thought I would enjoy these CDs, but I found that too much of a good thing is indeed too much. The essays are basically back-to-back with a short introduction to the next speaker in between, and this creates run-on that can be mind-numbing after a while.
Whereas the essays are certainly inspiring and interesting, I believe that a slightly longer and more definite break between each would be a better format. This would allow the listener to more fully absorb what was just heard without the editor's next intro and the following speaker interrupting that process. Maybe more music cues? Also somewhat confusing was when the editor commented on the previous speaker, and then went right into the intro for the next speaker -- there was a lag a few times for me in knowing which speaker he was talking about.
I gave the compilation 4 stars simply because of the format -- I would give the content a strong 5 stars. |
Fantasic and worthy project. Great for starting discussions.
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| Reviewer: Two kids mom, NM United States |
First of all let me say that I am one of those people who scoffs at books like "Chicken Soup for the Soul" and finds sappy greeting cards intolerable. I get irritated with people who send me "uplifting" stories in my email box. I would not call myself cynical, but I certainly lean that way.
I loved these CDs. Not every essay, a few were clichéd and/or cavity inducing sweet. But most were honest, open and enlightening. The sort of mind stretching, haunt your thoughts kind of writing that lingers in your daily life. I listened to all of them. Some I then played for my children one essay at a time in the car (not all are appropriate however). They are excellent jump starts for conversations and allowed me insight into my children's minds. Who would think that an essay about failure would be cathartic for a twelve year old?
I do wish that the index had more information, such as a short description of the topic. That would make finding an essay much faster.
Highly recommended. I am going to go and hunt down the first set right now.
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What would you say?
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| Reviewer: R. Kyle, USA |
This is a collection of 75 personal essays narrated by the authors about their beliefs, values, and perceptions. Each essay ends with personal questions.
The writers are not all famous, but all of them are provocative. The project is intended to be a 'snapshot of the values of our age.' Some of the writings will attract and some will annoy, but I think everything will inspire you.
This is a fascinating listen and one you will want to hear more than once, because the messages will touch you at different times in your life. Very worthwhile disks. I'm glad to have discovered this product.
Rebecca Kyle, October 2008 |
A great idea that deserves a better presentation
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| Reviewer: A. D. Boorman, |
This is a really neat idea. The editors compiled a vast collection (thousands if I understand correctly) of personal essays about beliefs that shaped the lives of individuals, and recorded the best of them for NPR. The best of those are on this disc.
It's a great idea. Some of these are fascinating, inspiring, and wonderful. Others are insipid and self-centered. To be truly fair, the editors warn the listener in advance that different people will like (or dislike) different cuts. They are honest and they are correct. This package is a testament to the power of the spoken word, the power of narrative itself.
It also is a showcase for the problems of such a format.
A major problem is that there is no real index for this production. There is a list of names of contributors, broken down disc by disc, but nothing more. That makes this a tedious production. While it is easy to listen to this for a few minutes every day, taking several hours to listen to the entirety of the production becomes dull.
The contributors are widely varied, and they deserve to be heard, but the format in which this material is presented works against preserving and highlighting the individuality of the presenters and the uniqueness of their stories.
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Authentic, Interesting Audio
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| Reviewer: B. Niedt, Cherry Hill, NJ United States |
"I believe" is the opening statement of each segment of this five CD set. Without becoming trite or tiring, the editors have selected an interesting collection of writers who have all taken on the challenge of expressing a core belief or value in five hundred words or less. The essays are largely read by those who composed them. Following the original pattern begun by Edward R. Murrow in the 1950's, the pieces are assembled from a diverse group of individuals,the famous and the humble, middle school students and waitresses, folks who value integrity or who admire their dog. The admiration of one's dog may not seem important, but for the attorney who described his pre-dog life, having a creature who depended upon him changed him. The relationship that he devloped with his dog taught him to respond to the world differently, including to the girlfriend who ultimately became his fiancee.
The intimacy of the writers' words, is, as Murrow described it, "like being invited into someone's home to read their mail". The sentiments expressed may not always be ones that the listener shares, but the experience of them is enough to make one feel that thoughtful consideration of values is something in which to believe. |
This I Believe
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| Reviewer: Larry J. Wicksted, Claremont, CA USA |
Igained a lot of valuable insights into how other people think and what drives or motivates them. It motivated me to look at my core values and where they came from.
Larry Wicksted |
I Wish it Were
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| Reviewer: Santeria, Tallahassee |
I have been listening to THIS I BELIEVE on and off during the experience that is NPR over the last few years. Whilst the original THIS I BELIEVE dates back many years, the current version has been given a digital age immediacy by its ability to be there in a quick manner. The cycle between composition and broadcast has been seemingly made quicker, and often more poignant, such as the Author on disk two, Michelle Gardner-Quinn, who was murdered before broadcast, so that someone else had to read her meaningful story, and it had a vast impact at many large events because of the death of the author.
On disc one, Mary Chapin-Carpenter was taught how to live one day at a time by the simple but meaningful greeting of a Store clerk as she was recovering from some problems.The Diversity in origins of the authors is evident with the inclusion of Tony Hawk, a hard working skater who is sometimes seen as someone who is still in his adolescensce . But Tony conveys his point. Susan Cook Kitteridge, daughter of Alistair Cook on disc three, heals, mends, hopes, searches, and conveys a great point.The Diversity continues on disc four with Yo Yo Ma the Musician, Criagslist founder and Faith beliefs that varies greatly.
Disc 5 is far and away the best of the 5; there is an Astronaut recorded in the Space Station. Studs Terkel is recorded in his apartment only days before heart surgery. Elie Wiesel is an amazing speaker and speaks with passion, although briefly.
In many respects these wishes provides utopias, or confirmation, and affirmations of current situation , or affirmations for future situations. All in all, these essays are brief, positive, to the point, and wonderfully delivered. A must for any fan of the series, or for anyone who likes positive work from people who have been through rough times and know what hard times are for the life we live. |
Infuriating, Moving, Inspiring and Annoying - Almost Always Surprising
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| Reviewer: Jonathan Strawn, Albuquerque, NM |
This I Believe has a simple premise: put down your fundamental belief in 500 words or less. Inspired the 1950s radio series by Edward R. Murrow, Jay Allsion & Dan Gediman have created a collection of belief statements from a wildly diverse group of people.
The people who might catch your attention are the celebrities, the famous writers and world leaders. But don't you already have an idea what those people believe? You may be surprised, but the famous essays on this collection are usually continuations of the beliefs that these well-known people are know for in the first place.
The real gems are the ones from unknown people. People who work anonymous jobs, who lead unremarkable lives. These essays show the extraordinary variety and depth of the human experience, covering all sorts of topics.
As a testament to the diversity of these essays, I was enraged as much as I was touched. I'm not sure what that says about my own beliefs, but some of the essays in this collection drove me insane with their inanity. Others moved me nearly to tears with their humanity.
But that's kind of the point, isn't it? Not everyone believes the same thing, and a huge amount of the conflict and tragedy in the world comes from our lack of understanding other people's beliefs. Sure, I'm not going to adopt them as my own. I may even consider someone stupid for believing something. But, most of the time, I can respect their passion, even if I do not share it.
The one suggestion that I would give to people who are considering writing their own beliefs for the This I Believe website: don't give us an autobiography. This is about your beliefs, not your experiences. You only have 500 words, don't waste them talking about what you've done instead of what you believe. |
Best Taken in Small Doses
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| Reviewer: Loveguitar, Georgia, USA |
I have enjoyed listening to the series, "This I Believe" by NPR for several years now. I have always found it very interesting and thought provoking, so I was very excited to receive the CD compilation of essays.
Although very enjoyable, I quickly realized that this was a difficult format. After a very long and unnecessary introduction, (anyone who would buy the CD would already be familiar with the series) the essays come in rapid fire succession. There is no time to absorb what one person says before the next essay comes. You must be quick to stop the CD player if you want time to mull over what you just heard. I think that is why the radio series is so enjoyable. You have plenty of time to think about and absorb what the person has said.
Having said that, the quality and content of the recordings are obviously good as expected. It's just best taken in "small doses".
Also, you can visit the website, /www.thisibelieve.org/ and read many other essays, or write your own and submit it! |
Great reading for short periods --
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| Reviewer: Witt, Shenandoah Valley, VA |
I know this sounds grody, but this book woud make great reading for the john, or anywhere else you have to sit for a moment. The essays are enlightening and most enjoyable. Also read the first volume of these essays, and then, if you haven't had enough, there are I think around 30,000 of them online at www.thisibelieve.org.
Hopefully you'll be inspired to write your own. Mine is a work in progress. |
Unique Series of Personal Beliefs
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| Reviewer: SanjeevP, Michigan, USA |
This I Believe has been one of my most favorite podcast from NPR for a long time and it is great that now they have compiled 75 of them into 5 CD's. Some of the the essays are by famous people like Elie Wiesel, Yo Yo Ma and Robert Fulghum; but most are by ordinary folks like a student, mother, Palestinian woman married to a Jew, Katrina victim etc. covering a wide variety of topics like kindness, forgiveness, conflict, holocaust, prejudice etc.
Each one of us develops personal beliefs and understanding from our singular journey in this world. Every life is nonpareil and each person has his or her own take on this life, sometimes the guiding force in their life. Essayists in this series give their unique perspective on some of the things in their lives in 500 words.
Some of the essays are deeply touching; some heart warming; some revelational; some inspirational; and some just observational and tell you a different way to look at things; but so far, I have not come across a boring one.
You will not agree with them many a time but will probably appreciate a different perspective and something like this can only foster more understanding, empathy and compassion in our conflict ridden, mystic world with Jews & Muslims; Blacks & Whites; Young & Old; Blue & Red; Religious & Atheist so on and so forth.
I have not met anyone who has disliked this series, strongly recommended. |
Life Changing Essays
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| Reviewer: D. B. Johnson, Sacramento, CA United States |
| This book is a continuation of the "This I Believe" series which I thoroughly enjoyed. Jay Allison does such a great job with these writers and their stories are incredibly moving. Thanks Jay for another great effort. |
Great listening
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| Reviewer: Deanokat, Michigan, USA |
| I love this collection of personal philosophies. It's really cool to hear what people--both celebrity and non-celebrity--think is important in life. The vignettes are pretty short, so it makes for easy listening while driving or working (I put the CDs on my iPod so I can listen while doing anything). A lot of life lessons here, for sure. |
GREAT!!!
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| Reviewer: Stacie L. Helsing, MA United States |
| These stories are inspiring, moving and wonderful. Some make you laugh, some are sad, but they are all wonderfully written and leave with something to think about. I love that they are short as well, only about 3 minutes each and they are told by the person who wrote them. I NEVER give five stars. My only complaint is that there are not more essays than 75! |
Too Many Bible Thumpings
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| Reviewer: B. Merritt, WWW.FILMREVIEWSTEW.COM, Pacific Grove, California United States |
Presented on five CDs and with 79 essays, THIS I BELIEVE II is both interested and perturbing in that it focuses on beliefs of individuals but often goes overboard in terms of religion.
The most interesting one - for me - was Alice Brock, whom most probably know as the famous Alice of the song Alice's Restaurant. Speaking about her belief in simplicity and understatement really struck me as something most Americans (in which I include myself) couldn't fathom believing in ...which made it all the more poignant. It also helped that she didn't thank "God" or "Jesus" or some other deity like the other 90% involved in this collection did.
Some might find my comments about belief and religion to be offensive and if you do, I apologize for the nerve this may have struck in you. But belief isn't the sole domain of religion. One can believe in humanity, general goodness, and other things that don't require a belief in the unknown and unseen.
Probably the biggest issue I had with this collaboration was that there were scientists and war torn victims of Vietnam who ended their beliefs firmly within "God's grace". I was highly interested in the story of the young girl who was the focus of a famous Vietnam War era photo; you know the one, the one with the burned, naked girl running down a street after her village was napalmed. Initially I found her story riveting as she explained the intensity of the war and her villages suffering at the hands of the American military machine. But then her focus shifted to that of her newly acquired christian faith, something that completely turned me off considering christiainity was not a part of Southeast Asian culture until the West arrived. It struck me as ludicrous and contrived.
Still, the larger issue of this series is that it shows us belief structures across socioeconomic, race, and many other barriers. It's just too bad so many of them ended up within biblical contexts and didn't range further afield. |
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