This I Believe: On Motherhood

by Dan Gediman, Mary Jo Gediman, John Gregory

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. 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

208 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2012

About the author

Dan Gediman is a long-time writer, editor, and public radio producer whose work has been heard on All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Marketplace, Jazz Profiles, and This American Life. During his 30-year radio career, he has won many of public broadcasting’s most prestigious awards including the duPont-Columbia Award.

Dan is currently the Executive Director of This I Believe, Inc. (www.thisibelieve.org), a non-profit organization based in Louisville that is dedicated to helping people explore, write about, and share short essays about the core beliefs that guide their daily lives. Over 150,000 people worldwide have submitted these essays, which have been anthologized into several This I Believe books, co-edited by Dan, including the New York Times Bestseller This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women (2006), This I Believe II (2008), This I Believe: On Love (2010), This I Believe: On Fatherhood (2011), This I Believe: Life Lessons (2011), This I Believe: On Motherhood (2012), This I Believe: Kentucky (2013). and their latest book, This I Believe Philadelphia (2015). Dan has also co-edited an anthology of essays from the original 1950s This I Believe radio series entitled Edward R. Murrow's This I Believe (2009).

Dan is currently working on a biography of famed radio icon Norman Corwin, to be published in 2020.

Dan is also an accomplished public speaker who has delivered scores of speeches and training workshops for schools, businesses, and community organizations. For more information or to book Dan as a speaker, please visit www.dangediman.com/public-speaking.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of essays written for the popular NPR series "This I Believe". This particular book is dedicated to what the authors believe about motherhood. It was a great reminder to me of the sacrifices my mom gave for me as she raised me. It brought back memories of sitting quietly in the hallway playing hand games while my baby sister was napping, playing in the snow for what seemed like hours (I'm sure it was only minutes) and coming inside to a cup of hot chocolate with a peppermint stick and pretzels and countless other quiet acts of selfless service. The book made me think about my own responsibilities as a mother and forced me to look at them with different eyes. Am I taking the time to truly be in the moment with my children, or am I wishing away their childhood? The essays ranged from sweet, to reflective to difficult to read - but all of them were imbued with hope and resolve. At a time in our world when motherhood is perhaps diminished by many, including women, this book serves to remind us all that as women we are the givers of life. It is a sacred responsibility that I am so happy to have been able to participate in.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast read, touching and a must read for every Mom.

My favorite quote:
"This I believe: if I live in the present, finding joy and peace in my daily life, I live fully. If I conduct myself with grace, I set an example for my children." --Amy Miller (Heaven is Now)

[Jeri · Rating 2 out of 5]

One or two of these stories resonated with me, but overall it isn't as powerful as the original This I Believe book. Reading this didn't make me soul-search to find my underlying core belief that I wanted to write about and submit right away (like the first one did).

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just in time for Mother's Day. This is not just a book for mothers. Some of the essays are heartwarming others heart-wrenching. And a few just so so but overall a great read. Thanks to my friend Susan for giving it to me for my birthday.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essays on motherhood written by mothers and children. Some were quite thought provoking.

[Dinah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this compilation of short essays on motherhood. Thought provoking and perfect in length for the busy mom intended for this book.

[Lyndsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this a lot, but it wasn't as impactfull as I had hoped (less so than the first "This I Believe" collection I read). But still very good. I will read more.

[Lisa Gennusa-O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful inspiring essays written by mothers and their children. Makes you want to be a better mother at the same time it makes you feel really good about the job you're doing as one.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful thoughts on motherhood!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the originals and loved them but the subsequent ones are not quite as touching, for some reason. Maybe the style just gets old. Still a worthwhile, quick read.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

One or two essays resonated with me, but most were only so-so.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, some essays more touching than others.