Very good book. Best to be read in multiple sittings. I read one essay a day with breakfast and found that a great way to read the book.

I would have preferred have a more international collection of essays, rather than primarily US residents, thought there were some from immigrants that brought a bit of a new perspective. From the afterword, I understand that there are some books with US and international essays, which I think would be (even more) enlightening. ( )

Some really rang true, others did not. ( )

From the popular NPR segment of the same name, this is a well-rounded sampling of the essays aired both from its current incarnation and from the original show around the time I was born, in the early 1950s. This anthology is nothing if not inspiring, and as an added bonus, it’s a very fast read. One is compelled to reflect momentarily on the author’s words and begin anew with the next essay. I will confess that a few of these personal accounts infuriated me, and some I saw more as an attempt to garner political points (you’ll know them when you see them), and I readily admit that it may have not been intended that way, but in my interpretation. Most, however, seemed genuine and forthcoming, and I am inspired to write one of my own. The editors include guidelines as to length and content, and even provide a website for submission. I also appreciated the several pages of black-and-white photos of some of the essayists. I thought it was an added treat to see the faces of those who wrote such thoughtful, deeply-felt, private feelings. This ought to be required reading for anyone, anywhere. ( )

What a great read! It is filled with insightful, thought-provoking essays, some very surprising, such as thoughts on barbecue, jazz, cultivating one's talents, feeding monkeys, being cool to the pizza dude and leaving flowers on graves. I listened to this book and found that some of the older essays were far too formal to enjoy. That formality is off-putting and stuffy. I also found that many of the essays by well-known people were seemingly contrived. John McCain's essay on service to one's country and Newt Gingrich's essay on the importance of American leadership fell flat, but Gloria Steinham's amazing thoughts on the nature vs. nurture debate opened new doors for me. I think everyone will find one point of view that challenges his or her own beliefs and provokes further contemplation, something we don't seem to do enough without external provocation. ( )

I really wish I had listened to this in smaller chunks. It's a lot to take in. Some of the essays were not exceptional, but others were absolutely wonderful. Topics ranged from the rule of law, love, and freedom to barbecue and jazz. And listening to this collection, rather than reading it, really does add a lot to the experience. Not to mention the opportunity to hear such voices as Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Jackie Robinson. ( )

I believe in this series. It is fascinating and moving reading about people's beliefs and the events that shaped them. While the essay format is short, just a few hundred words, it forces the writer to get right to the core of their beliefs. From the famous to the person on the street, the series gives everyone the opportunity to express themselves. I feel like my own horizon is broadened by sharing in their stories.

I love listening to the series on NPR, but I don't think it loses power in the written form. It is just different. Reading the book puts more emphasis and interpretation in the choice of words to convey the meaning, rather than relying on the tone of voice of the author. I cried again at the essay from the woman who believes all the graves in the cemetary should have flowers. Just as I did when I first heard it on the radio. ( )

Anyone would benefit from listening to this illuminating look at the beliefs that guide people in their everyday life. It includes excerpts from a project in which people from all walks of life share their personal views on what they believe about life. Originally it was a radio show that aired in the 50's, so some of the people sharing their beliefs are historical figures like Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt. It is fascinating to listen to and is well produced. I was wishing for a volume II as soon as I popped the last CD out of my player. ( )

Book chosen for the "One Book One Community" reading program for Winchester, VA. After a book is chosen, the community has opportunities to buy the book and local libraries and companies put on events to discuss the book, and related activities.I love the "This I Believe" segments on NPR, so this book should be interesting.Here are some of the activities planned:* WCT-TV Channel 20 will air "This I Believe" essay readings by One Book committee members from April 24 until May 9 and from May 23 until July 3.* Writing workshops will be held at 7 p.m. on June 11 and 18 and at 2 p.m. on June 22 at the Handley Library. Participants will learn to write a "This I Believe" essay.* Open microphone at Borders Booksellers at 2 p.m. on July 12 — participants may read their essays.* Excerpts from the essays will be printed in The Winchester Star in August and September* "This We Believe — Local Heroes," a panel of speakers from the community, will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 in the Handley Library auditorium* Shenandoah University’s presidential inaugural event will be held on Sept. 25. Jay Allison, one of the editors of "This I Believe," will speak and essays will be read.* Magic Lantern will show the movie "Good Night and Good Luck," the story of Edward R. Murrow, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 1 at Handley Library.* Dan Gediman (co-editor of "This I Believe") and Casey Murrow (son of Edward R. Murrow) will speak at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Millbrook High School.All events are free and open to the public.

The essays themselves are wonderful, delightful, thought-provoking. It's the format - the compilation - that leaves me underwhelmed. Essays for the 'This I Believe' project are typically either played on the radio or printed in journals once a week, a format that lends itself to careful consideration over time. The book - if you must read the book - is to be slowly digested. Plus I miss the audio. I'm familiar with many of the essays from NPR and though its true that the written essays each have a strong "voice"... I miss the real one (sans quotes). ( )

My five star rating is for the audio edition I listened to on my mp3 player. I don't know if I would give it the fifth star if I read the book - I love listening to an author read his/her own words. It especially was interesting hearing the voices of current writers, like John Updike, and famous names from the past - Eleanor Roosevelt, and the serendipity of listening to Jackie Robinson just 10 minutes before the all-star game. The title is a little misleading - it depends on your definition of "remarkable". While many entries were from the famous, many were from "ordinary" people. I found all were interesting. Not having a book in front of me I don't know how many essays there are, but I was struck by how similar many were in their beliefs, even tho they were expressed in very different terms. ( )

Good stories. Many were really good - some were not my favorite. The length of the stories was ideal. The stories I liked best were ones written by people like you and me. I wasn't as impressed by the stories by "great" people. ( )

Because I can’t really comment on the usual things one does in a book review….plot, characterization, writing style, thematic elements… I will simply summarize the quotes from this amazing book that touched me the most.

Novelist Isabel Allende: “Give, give, give – what is the point of having experience, knowledge or talent if I don’t give it away? Or having stories if I don’t tell them to others? Or having wealth if I don’t share it? I don’t intend to be cremated with any of it! It is in giving that I connect with others, with the world and the divine.”

Composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein: “I believe that she (America) is at a critical point in this moment and that she needs us to believe more strongly than ever before in her and in one another, in our ability to grow and change, in our mutual dignity, in our democratic method. We must encourage thought, free and creative. We must respect privacy. We must observe taste by not exploiting our sorrows, successes, or passions.”

Also – “…one human being who meets with injustice can render invalid the entire system which has dispensed it.”

Elizabeth Deutsch Earle (from 1950): “Johnathan Edwards, a Puritan minister, resolved never to do anything out of revenge. I am a modern, a member of a church far removed from Puritanism, yet I have accepted this resolution. Since revenge and retaliation seem to have been accepted by nations today, I sometimes have difficulty reconciling my moral convictions with the tangled world being handed down to us by adults.”

Also – “If I were to discover that there is no afterlife, my motive for moral living would not be destroyed. I have enough of the philosopher in me to love righteousness for its own sake.”

Law professor Michael Mullane: “The law is wonderfully strong and terribly fragile. In times of crisis and threat, there is a temptation to stop believing in the rule of law – a temptation to think that it weakens rather than protects us….”Maybe we do need to sacrifice personal liberties to be safe, but then I remember that generations of Americans bled and died to create and protect the rule of law, and I wonder: If we ignore it now, how will we ever get it back?”

English historian Arnold Toynbee: “To imagine that one’s own church, civilization, nation or family is the chosen people is, I believe, as wrong as it would be for me to imagine that I myself am God. I agree with Symmachus, the pagan philosopher who put the case for toleration to a victorious Christian church, and I will end by quoting his words: The universe is too great a mystery for there to be only one single approach to it.”

This book, these essays are such amazing pieces of humanity. I was the most impressed by people whose names I did not know, people who had not had practice writing or giving speeches or being in the public eye. It was the cabdriver, the teacher, the sixteen year olds whose view of the world was most enlightening. And so it should be in everything.
After reading this book, I of course started to think about what I would write. I believe so many things…but which belief is the defining one? Which belief could I sum up in under 500 words? Which belief would I feel comfortable telling others about?

“This I Believe” is a wonderful collection of words and thoughts and dreams. Almost every essay contained an inspirational memory or thought that improved my view of humanity. That changed my idea of a person whose name I knew well.

But I must finish this review with a quote from an essay that didn’t change me at all – and that certainly didn’t surprise me at all, given my impressions of the writer. “I believe that the world is inherently a very dangerous place and that things that are now very good can go bad very quickly.”

- Newt Gingrich. ( )

It’s January, and now that the tree is down, the outdoor lights are unplugged, the turkey leftovers are in the trash, and you’re suffering from the post-holiday, onset of winter, time to get in shape for summer, blues, you need this book.
This I Believe, one of the latest arrivals on the new book shelf, is a compilation of inspirational letters broadcast on National Public Radio. It includes reprints from the 1950’s edition and entries from the current program. The contributors are famous people like Helen Hayes, Isabel Allende, and Leonard Bernstein, and others known only to their families and friends. The topics include faith, family values, the role of music in our lives, and what’s good about our country. One of my favorite selections is “Be Cool to the Pizza Dude” by Sarah Adams. Isabel Allende writes about the lessons she learned during her daughter’s terminal illness. Ted Gup talks about what it’s like being one of the “wobblies,” people who aren’t sure what they believe. Jason Sheehan believes “there is no such thing as too much barbecue.” One selection begins, “I believe in God” and another states, “There is no God.” Reading it will give you something to think about besides the fact that you’ve already broken your New Year’s resolution and wondering when the warm air will return.
You won’t gain weight from the “food” for thought offered in this book, but it may expand your mind. There is something for each of us to agree with unequivocally or disagree with vehemently. The cool thing is that if you want to express what you believe, write an essay and submit it to NPR; you may be chosen to read it on national radio. Your selection might even be printed in the next edition of This I Believe.
We’ll be watching for it.
Reviewed by Sherrill, Three Rivers Public Library

Fascinating range of personal philosophies, from the woman who believes in attending funerals to the man who swears by barbecue as the apex of life's pleasures. Even better as an audio book, read by the authors ( )