Customer Reviews

Miracle: A Celebration of New Life

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I must admit, I've never owned a Geddes book before, nor have I looked at them in the past. I bought this wonderful CD/DVD/Book combination purely for the sake of Celine Dion's involvement. If not for her, it would not be on my bookshelf. Yet, I find Celine is only featured in less than 25% of the book, and I still find myself adoring the whole of this confection.
In regards to the CD, in response to the reviewer who cited this as a rehashing of recordings from past Dion releases, it is nothing of the sort. With the exception of Track 8, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", which regretably is the same recording found on the 1999 "All The Way..." compilation, the remainder of the songs found here are exclusive to this release. Believe me, I would know, I have the pleasure to own all Celine's releases in both English and French.
As far as the DVD goes, as a lone release it might seem a bit inadequite, lasting just over 21 minutes, yet as a companion to this magical book, it is utterly perfect, giving the viewer a gracious insite into the collaberation of Anne and Celine which brought forth this work which radiates both of these accomplished, respected ladies' devotion to children, and the Miracle that children are.
In looking at the book itself, there are no words to describe the depth of color, and clear detail, and respect each image has obviously been given. Each of these precious hopes for our future look fully at peace and beautifully positioned in each of the nearly hundred images found in this huge volume. In regards to the pictures featuring Dion, her own maternal instincts and love for these babies seems to radiate from the printed page. Yet when Celine is present, she seems to not in the least upstage the tiny beings she is suppoerting, instead your attention is first drawn to the innocent miracles she holds tenderly, and then to Dion herself.
This work is a purely perfect collaberation, and wonderful product for anyone. This is not only for the expecting mother, new mother, or grandmother, this is simply for anyone who loves life and the miracle of its beginning.

I have seen the mother's of these babies crying in the making of this book because the photo's were so beautiful and tender. If you think this book is baby abuse then you obiviously have never had a baby. If you did, then you would know that babies cry when they are hurt or uncomfortable. A baby is so peaceful while sleeping, shame on you for thinking otherwise. This CD is so precious it brought tears to my eyes, and I am not even a big Celine fan. Then again I am a mother to a beautiful baby boy so I am the perfect customer for this book. It's just wonderful!

I love this book not only because my child is featured in it with celine, but because it is so beautiful. Every baby in this book is under 6 weeks old. Completely new in this world, and 100% pure! So beautiful and wonderful. Celine being in this book made it that much more incredible. If you dont own an Anne Geddes book yet I suggest this one as the begining of your collection.

I bought 2 of these books for my daughters, one is pregnant with her first child and the second is planning her family in the next year or so. The babies are so beautiful and perfect. Those who complain about the positions don't realize how flexible newborns are. All the babies are less than a month old and the studio is kept very hot for their comfort. They wouldn't sleep if they were in pain. I love it and recommend it for anyone!

I never bought Anne Geddes' books before, but I always thought her photography was innovative and unprecedented. When I first heard that my favourite singer Céline Dion would start working on a project with Anne Geddes I was not sure what to expect. I don't think any of her fans did. In the meantime I decided to look at some of the previous Geddes books to get the idea but I still couldn't figure out how the whole Dion/Geddes collaboration was supposed to come together.

Then when the book was released I was stunned by the incredible photography. Céline is present in the book, but she rather gives the images a more powerful force than outshining those beautiful newborn babies, which I was afraid of would happen. It underlines again Geddes' artistic talent as a photographer to be able to show us Céline Dion, known as the celebrity and the powerful engergetic singer, as Céline Dion the mother and the strong, beautiful and caring person she is.

The book comes with a CD with new songs all about the miracle of life and children. Produced by David Foster the songs are pure and sincere. Céline's voice never sounded better. And the variety of the songs really surprised me!! Céline's rendition of "Beautiful Boy" originally by John Lennon gives Céline once again another sound.

Then there's the DVD that also comes with the book which gives us a beautiful insight in the making of the book and confirms that, like some people like to claim, are NOT abused but very tenderly and lovingly taking care of by Anne, Céline and their parents. You'll see that the baby's are placed on soft foamed shapes to resemble the shape of the flowers they are later digitally placed in! Everybody claiming those babies are abused should be ashamed of themselves and take their words back! They obviously don't know what they are talking about!

There are several Miracle formats recently released, but this is THE version I'll be giving to my friends celebrating their first child this holiday. The book and CD make the perfect gift and also the best value when purchased together in this format versus just the CD with the smaller pamphlet. I purchased the CD as well, but was saddened to see the small insert mini-book that came with it. It just didn't provide enough substance for gift-giving and looks cheap in comparison to this package. The book and CD combo shown here offer the best value and the nicest presentation. In fact, I chose to purchase this format for myself!

I love Anne Gedes work...always love it and when I heard that my favorite singer, Celine Dion, was going to work with her.. I was in Heaven! I was glad that I could to get to know more about Anne's work...'cause here in Brazil it's not easy to find something about her, her products.. etc. So, that book- Miracle- was a great gitf I gave to myself! :) The DVD showing the making of the book is simply amazing!!! Celine was very touched by the babies... she LOVES babies! Those pictures taken by Anne are priceless! It's a beautiful work!

This book is ok, but what it REALLY needs is some more pictures of babies.

To be perfectly honest, this is the first Anne Geddes book I have owned. I have bought and given Anne Geddes products to friends and family, but Miracle will be something I keep for myself. It suprises me that I like it so much as I am not really a Celine Dion fan, but the beauty of the imagery and lyricism of the language creates a harmony of sight and sound, a celebration of being and a tribute to the birth of possiblities.

I was struck at the photographic quality of Miracle and the visual essay explored by both artists. Each of the six sections begins with the lyrics of one of the thirteen songs from the Miracle CD which is included with the book, and each section integrates the babies and Celine with a particular flower. I found it interesting that brown and sepia toned calla liles opens the book. The sequence of the images suggest a passing of seasons from autumn colored callas to black and white magnolias to summer loving roses and orchids to the peonies of spring. Although the flowers do not follow a normal pattern of seasonal change, they do resonate the sense of time moving and that no matter what seaon of the year it is always a time for new life to begin. I love the sensual imagery and the visual methaphors of budding into being.

My favorite part of the book was the DVD documenting Anne's process. It's an incredible opportunity to see an artist at work. To be able to watch the committment and devotion of both Anne and Celine working together really sheds insight into them as individuals and people. I really love the humanizing aspect of the DVD. It helps show that no matter what walk of life you are from being a mother is universal.

On one hand, Miracle seems like the ultimate liner notes for Celine's music. I have always loved having the lyrics to the songs in my CD collection. The one drawback is that the accompaning CD doesn't list any of the songs and not all of the songs's lyrics are in the book. On the other hand, the book can stand alone without the CD or DVD, but both these bonuses contribute to the reader's experience, making it truly multifaceted.

I highly recommend Miracle to anyone who is a fan of beautiful imagery and emotionally charged music.

Anne Geddes and Celine Dion have collaborated on a powerful work of art that emcompasses sound and vision, through Geddes' stunning photography and Dion's beautiful voice. While some cynics might bemoan this project, most people who have children or grandchildren will find the pictures moving, inspiring, and comforting. As for Dion's songs, she sings from a deep place in her heart that is touching without being maudlin...this subject matter is obviously very special to her, and it shows in the passion--and compassion--of her singing. The selection of songs is versatile without being inapproprate or incoherent. As a man, and an "Alpha Male" at that (who usually listens to Johnny Cash), I was a little surprised by the way in which the book and CD affected me...but then again, I have a young daughter who has me wrapped around her little finger, which perhaps explains everything!