This I Believe: On Motherhood [Hardcover]

Dan Gediman (Author), Mary Jo Gediman (Author), John Gregory (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 10, 2012 | Series: This I Believe

Compelling stories of motherhood from the producers of the popular public radio show

This touching, thought-provoking book includes pieces on motherhood in its many manifestations written by more than sixty remarkable men and women from ordinary life, whose reflections and sentiments will resonate with readers far and wide. Among the contributors are young, middle-aged and elderly mothers (and stepmothers), as well as sons and daughters of all ages and from many different backgrounds. By turns funny and profound, this book is always engaging.

• Includes stories that are reverential and loving, as well as stories that are sad and clouded by yearning, loss, and regret
• Offers a compelling portrait of the diverse range of beliefs and experiences related to what is the most powerful and complex of human relationships
• Describes universal experiences that everyone can relate to, no matter your age, gender, or parenting status

Written as a keepsake book that can be thoughtful gift for someone special in your life, This I Believe: On Motherhood feels like flipping through a family photo album, each page offering another richly detailed snapshot of daily life from the delivery room to the deathbed.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 111807453X
• ISBN-13: 978-1118074534
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“These heartwarming and heart-rending essays will all but wrench the knowing tears from a mother’s eyes, and from quite a few children as well... Throughout, the authors tell fascinating stories to illuminate the importance of their own mothers in ways to which we can all relate.”—Scott Coffman, Louisville Courier-Journal

From the Inside Flap

This I Believe: On Motherhood

From the popular radio series This I Believe comes this inspirational compilation of original essays on what one writer has called the "definitive relationship"—motherhood. It is a relationship filled with love and heartbreak, pride and rebellion, advice not taken, and dreams realized.

A mother can be a cheerleader, a teacher, a breadwinner, an eternal optimist, and the safe harbor from life's many storms. This collection tells the personal stories of sixty essayists who share, in intimate terms, what motherhood means to them, exploring the unique bond that can be at once painful, loving, constructive, and nurturing

With rare candor, old and young children, biological mothers, stepmothers, and adoptive mothers all offer their perspectives. These essayists remind us that mothers may not always share our opinion or approve of all our actions, but they believe in us—and we believe in them, even if we aren't always able to show or say it.

Written as a keepsake book that can be a thoughtful gift for someone special in your life, This I Believe: On Motherhood offers a compelling portrait of the diverse range of experiences and beliefs related to the mother-child relationship. With personal insights and inspiration, this collection makes a wonderful gift for longtime mothers, new mothers, and mothers-to-be.

To read more essays and submit your own, please visit www.thisibelieve.org.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 111807453X
• ISBN-13: 978-1118074534
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dan Gediman is executive director of This I Believe, a not-for-profit organization that collects and presents the core personal philosophies of Americans-ranging from the famous to the previously unknown. These short statements of belief have been featured on public radio since 2005. A 25-year public radio veteran, Gediman's work has won many of public broadcasting's most prestigious awards, including the duPont-Columbia Award.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars heart-warming read January 9, 2013

By Mom to 2

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Perfect book to read while waiting at appointments, carpool, etc. Some stories will move you to tears but they all will warm your heart.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A broad view December 10, 2012

By Teresa M. Twomey

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book, like other "This I Believe" book(s) has short, first-person stories. These give a broad overview of perceptions of Motherhood. I used it for my class "Representations of Motherhood." Several students (unprompted) said that one or more of the essays touched them deeply or expressed how they feel. I read one out loud in class to introduce them to the book - when I finished, they applauded. It also has appendix with instructions on how to write a This I Believe story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift! June 15, 2012

By Soph53

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book for my mother-in-law who loves National Public Radio. She was thrilled when she received it. Would be a great gift for any mother or for yourself if you are a Mom!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A One-Size-Fits-All book June 8, 2012

By D. Short

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

My brother and his wife sent my wife a copy of This I Believe On Motherhood for Mother's Day. Their reason for giving her this particular book was somewhat a matter of pride (as their daughter's essay is included in the compilation). We are faithful listeners to the NPR show each week, so she thought she knew what to expect. But this book is a veritable buffet of stories on the subject, each one different from the others, yet all with a common theme. We highly recommend it to mothers of all ages; you will be touched by each and every story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great radio series, Great Books June 4, 2012

By gloucester ma

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Picked up for my Mom on Mother's day. I gave her other This I believe... books a while back and I noticed she had them out on a coffee table so I knew she liked them. Stories are good, not sappy or over emotional, but have a tissue ready.