This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women

Version: Unabridged
Author: Various Artists , Jay Allison , Dan Gediman
Narrator: Various Artists
Genres: Self-help, Health, Mind, Body & Soul
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Date: October 2006
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
Formats :
  • CD
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Overview

Based on the NPR series of the same name, "This I Believe" features 80 Americans--from the famous to the unknown--completing the thought that begins with the book's title. The pieces that make up the program compel listeners to re-think not only what and how they have arrived at their own personal beliefs, but also the extent to which they share them with others.
Featuring a star-studded list of contributors that includes John McCain, Isabel Allende, and Colin Powell (as well as pieces from the original 1950's series including Helen Keller and Jackie Robinson), the collection also contains essays by a Brooklyn lawyer, a woman who sells yellow pages advertising in Fort Worth, TX and a man who serves on the state of Rhode Island's parole board. The result is a stirring, funny and always provocative trip inside the minds and hearts of a diverse group of Americans whose beliefs, and the incredibly varied ways in which they choose to express them, reveal the American spirit at its best.

Selected Reviews

Thought-provoking and Real

by Sara
  • Book Rating: 5/5

Thought provoking

by Peggy Stortz
  • Book Rating: 4/5

More...

Read All 5

Reviews (5)

Thought-provoking and Real

Written by Sara on December 5th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Very interesting premise. Went to the website and found literally thousands of stories on just about all topics. Inspired me to write my own. Loved the stories read by the authors. Only disruptive part was when the annoucer from the 1950's burst in at the end of the story. I wish there was a pause to have the final statement of the reader sink in before the annoucer exploded in with "That was..." Despite this interruption in my thoughts, every story was insightful.

Thought provoking

Written by Peggy Stortz on September 5th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

This powerful collections of essays made me think about what I believe and even write my own submission to NPR. Not surprisingly the best pieces were by unknown authors who had to be outstanding to earn place in this book. I did enjoy getting an inside look at the philosophies of famous people. Newt Gingrich said that he believes that the world is a dangerous place and I thought about how his beliefs led to a military build-up and a fear-based government.

This I Believe

Written by Anonymous from Kansas City, MO on August 6th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

To hear the views of some of this country's most important icons is a special treat. Additionally, essays by people I have not heard of also gave me pause. I highly recommend this book to any thinking person.

This I believe

Written by Martha on July 25th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

The perfect book on tape. I sometimes needed a moment or two to digest the stories that were being read. It was very interesting to hear the beliefs read by the orignal authors.

This I Believe

Written by Dian on December 8th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I was pulled in from the very beginning. So down to earth. And the most interesting results. Didn't agree with each belief but found each person's views absolutely fascinating. Made me start thinking about how to make my own contribution.

Selected Reviews

Thought-provoking and Real

by Sara
  • Book Rating: 5/5

Thought provoking

by Peggy Stortz
  • Book Rating: 4/5

More...

Read All 5

Author Details

Author Details

Allison, Jay

JAY ALLISON is a Peabody and Edward R. Murrow award winning broadcast journalist. His work airs on NPR, PRI and ABC News' "Nightline."

Gediman, Dan

Dan Gediman is the executive producer of "This I Believe". His work has been heard on "All Things Considered", "Morning Edition", "Fresh Air", "Marketplace", "Jazz Profiles", and "This American Life". He has won many of public broadcasting's most prestigious awards, including the duPont-Columbia Award.