But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery

by Julie Chen Moonves

An intimate and inspirational memoir from the longtime host of Big Brother and former moderator of The Talk . Julie Chen Moonves shares her transformative spiritual awakening, revisiting pivotal moments from her life and career through fresh eyes. This as-told-to story is a unique, conversational audio experience that will put you in the room with Julie as she recounts her faith journey and favorite scripture passages, while inspiring listeners to find their own path.

Julie Chen Moonves spent the first forty-eight years of her life ignoring God. She had never even attended a Sunday church service. For much of her life, her impressive yet demanding career was her priority with little time or energy for spirituality. But in 2018, Julie’s life was turned upside down, and the sudden shift in perspective opened her eyes to the biggest opportunity of a personal relationship with God.

In But First, God , you’ll feel as though you’re sitting across from Julie as she weaves together memories with reflections on scripture, prayer, and how finding God has changed every facet of her life, from her on-camera work to her role as a wife and mother. She’ll take listeners behind the scenes of her career, telling never-before-heard stories from her first job as a reporter through becoming a network news anchor, two decades hosting the reality competition show Big Brother and eight seasons moderating the Emmy Award–winning daytime talk show The Talk . But First, God reveals who the real Julie is when the cameras stop rolling and looks back at the highs and lows of her journey with new perspective. Julie shows how scripture is leading her walk with God, and how every listener can find their own joy and peace in faith.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Memoir, Christian, Religion, Biography Memoir, Biography

Audio CD

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd audio book ever.

I’m always interested in listening to people describe their religious and/or cult experiences.

It’s no secret I’m searching for a mustard seed of the faith I once had. Yet I’m not ready to quit God.

This book was a reboot for me. Julie Chen Moonves is a new Christian at the age of 48. She can’t help but infuse enthusiasm in even the most jaded.

I definitely took away some reminders, found a devotional to try, liked a concept of belonging to multiple churches rather than just one, remembered how to express gratitude and found her Instagram account - God 101.

It’s a win.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, especially if you love God and/or on the path to seek a better relationship with Him. This book is also a must if you like the show Big Brother.
Minus 1 star because of what was written about some controversial topics.

[lauren ♡ (literallyilliterate)]

I found out about this audiobook from Sadie Robertson's podcast where she interviewed Julie. I'm not a fan of Big Brother at all, but I was captivated by Julie's story. She's really funny and seems to have a great knowledge of scripture. This was a short yet encouraging listen. Highly recommend.

[Priscilla Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie is a class act and beautiful soul. I could easily listen to so much more of her. 2 takeaways:

Before speaking, consider:
Is it true?
Is it useful?
Does it glorify God?

“God only allows things. And ordains them.”

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick listen/read! It felt like I was just listening to Julie do an interview. I really enjoyed that! It always awesome to hear testimonies of those coming to their faith later in life. It’s such a beautiful reminder that He is never finished with us!

[Melina Beeston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should have been titled: “But First, a Mid-Life Crisis.” Deceivingly little Big Brother tea.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book but it is chock full of inspiration. I appreciate listening to the life experiences of the author in her own voice. Her thoughts on gossip really made an impact on me.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as I close in on a decade of watching Big Brother.

Pros: Julie is an incredible speaker and it felt like she was talking to a friend in this audio memoir. I gave it 2 stars for this reason.

Cons: One of the big criticisms surrounding this book is how she approaches her husband’s departure from CBS. (Les Moonves, google it.) She writes as though he left the company over a merger dispute and doesn’t really touch the serious SA allegations. I wish if she wasn’t going to actually talk about it, she had omitted it from her story.
My other main issue with the book is that a lot of how she discusses her religious beliefs may feel quite out of touch for the average reader (who isn’t a successful Hollywood host.)

All in all, if you’re looking for a spiritual-ish, inspirational book, or just 4 hours of a soothing voice, go for it. Otherwise, maybe just watch 4 episodes of Big Brother and call it a night.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea Julie had become a follower of Jesus until very recently. I don't see very much mainstream television. I heard Julie interviewed on a podcast and immediately plaved a hold. I knew who she was from watching both Big Brother and the Talk years ago. Julie tells her own faith story in this audio production with honesty & grace. What an influence she is able to be in her sphere. A wonderful listen.

[Natalie Tufte · Rating 2 out of 5]

We love Big Brother so when we noticed a shift in Julie’s demeanor and sign-offs we figured she had become a Christian. I love hearing people’s testimonies and what draws them to Christ. All testimonies are 5 stars-Because it’s their personal story of God calling them to Him. The reason I gave 2 stars for the audiobook was because she shares some advice and applications of scripture that aren’t all exactly accurate. This isn’t to beat her up. She’s doing a great job using her platform to share Gods love. Just don’t read too much into some of the theology if you read her book- research beyond what she’s saying as she’s still in her early years as a Christian and I’m sure in a few years she’ll look back and understand more deeply what the scriptures are saying and meaning as she pursues Him. After all- that’s true of all of us as we pursue Him and grow in our understanding of His kingdom on earth.

[Krista-Marie Linegar]

I was already Julie Chen Mooves fan from watching Big Brother and things that she would say made me think she was maybe a Christian, it was fun to listen to her testimony

[Sunny Yeates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Big Brother fan. I am a fan of God also. This book surprised me...The chapter where she talks about gossip and talking about others changed me.

[Madison Hinton]

I really enjoyed listening to Julie share how she became a follower of Jesus. It was so encouraging to hear how someone shared God with her, how she has been convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit, and how becoming a believer has changed her actions. She shared scripture all throughout this audio book and seems so joyful!

This was also encouraging to me because it was a reminder to me that even if someone doesn’t have “perfect” ecclesiology, or the most theologically sound beliefs that God can work through them. I found it inspiring that my sister in Christ is bold to share her faith given her platform.

I enjoyed this quick 4hr audiobook!

[B.M. Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard some people say they can not relate to this book because she is so privileged. Julie found God later in life, she was already married and had success and some of her struggles are definitely coming from a privileged space however there is still so much you can take away from diving into her journey about how to boldly live a Christ-like life. I enjoyed her story. If read as if she was your friend and she was having a conversation with you.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I've never watched Big Brother, I wasn't familiar with who the author is. She came across as authentic and eager to share her faith journey. I enjoyed her story and the way she talked about progress and not perfection. I think sometimes people get hung up on the latter when the former needs to be recognized.

I also appreciated her love for her family, especially the relationship she shared with her sister. So 4 stars for this one.

[Stephanie Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

As a big brother fan and a Jesus lover, when I saw this book by Julie Chen, I knew I had to listen. In her memoir, Julie shares about her life in Hollywood, the TV industry, her youth growing up - and how her faith in Jesus has impacted each aspect. I admire Julie for sharing Gods love in a space where it seems taboo to do so. All around a very interesting and very encouraging book.

[Nanette Buccola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe if I had watched The Talk or Big Brother I would have been more of a fan. But other than Julie Chen’s voice was easy to listen to and it was only 4 hours long, it just seemed she needed validation.

[Gena · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook) I enjoyed getting to know the other side of Julie Chen(other than Big Brother host and former talk show host), listening to her story about overcoming some life hurts and finding her faith in God.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me.

I see Julie differently now, it was good to see her become a Christian and how she incorporated it into her life.
So many takeaways and scripture listed.

[Kelsey Williams]

Such a unique audio memoir! I felt like she was in the same room, talking with me as a friend! I loved hearing her truth, and I am left feeling so light and encouraged.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!! I didn’t know how bad I needed to hear all of this until I was listening to it. Thank you! 🥰🙏🏻❤️

[Mediaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm very happy for Julie Chen's newfound Christian faith--but this book is a whole bunch of rich people's problems. Elitist complaining that's done with a positive spin. Facelifts. Met Gala. Paparazzi. Losing one of her two high-paying network TV jobs.

As hard as she tries (and she tries very hard) she is not relatable and doesn't have average people's problems. She is in her late 40s, now "only" has one job hosting CBS's Big Brother, has "nothing to do at home" sitting with her jobless rich husband in her multimillion-dollar mansion, feels terrible that she has to explain to her eight-year-old son why they are not working, and crying out to God wanting to know why her life is so terrible. Honey, if these are your worst problems then you have a life that 99% of us will never understand--even at her worst things seem better than what anyone else has gone through.

Yes, everyone has struggles, even the wealthy and famous. And it's good to hear someone in her position turning her life over to God. But this audio book isn't the most effective way to communicate what she went through. It would have been more objective and impactful on paper in book form. Her vocal narrative ranges from casual and choppy to exaggerated and newslike. Then there are the times she actually cries while reading. Sorry, but it is actually difficult to listen to in spots and detracts from the message.

Some will object to her view of 2020 pandemic--"God must have allowed a terrible tragedy like Covid to happen because it was the only way to stop the entire world in its tracks to listen to Him." Her statement is bad theology and makes me squirm to think of God being blamed for over a million deaths. Didn't Pat Roberson, Jerry Falwell and others say the same thing about AIDS?

Chen needed objective outside feedback to help her understand how awkward some of this sounds. She is too new in her faith to be doing this, needs more time to listen to others, and should put away the anger she obviously has over her being pushed out of The View. Bottom line she is trying too hard to convince us that she is a normal person in need of God, preaching at us a bit, quoting scripture, and wanting so much to inspire others. Admirable, "but first" Chen really needs to live it and not speak it. Walk the walk, don't talk the talk (pun intended). James 1:19 put it best: "Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."

[Mmtimes4 · Rating 2 out of 5]

An intimate and inspirational memoir from the longtime host of Big Brother and former moderator of The Talk . Julie Chen Moonves shares her transformative spiritual awakening, revisiting pivotal moments from her life and career through fresh eyes. This as-told-to story is a unique, conversational audio experience that will put you in the room with Julie as she recounts her faith journey and favorite scripture passages, while inspiring listeners to find their own path.

Julie Chen Moonves spent the first forty-eight years of her life ignoring God. She had never even attended a Sunday church service. For much of her life, her impressive yet demanding career was her priority with little time or energy for spirituality. But in 2018, Julie’s life was turned upside down, and the sudden shift in perspective opened her eyes to the biggest opportunity of a personal relationship with God.

In But First, God , you’ll feel as though you’re sitting across from Julie as she weaves together memories with reflections on scripture, prayer, and how finding God has changed every facet of her life, from her on-camera work to her role as a wife and mother. She’ll take listeners behind the scenes of her career, telling never-before-heard stories from her first job as a reporter through becoming a network news anchor, two decades hosting the reality competition show Big Brother and eight seasons moderating the Emmy Award–winning daytime talk show The Talk . But First, God reveals who the real Julie is when the cameras stop rolling and looks back at the highs and lows of her journey with new perspective. Julie shows how scripture is leading her walk with God, and how every listener can find their own joy and peace in faith.GR description

I listened to this short memoir. It was good to hear Mrs. Moonves story about her journey to faith and becoming a Jesus follower. There are aspects of her faith I don't agree with her theology. I do admire that she is not afraid to share her faith and give God glory.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful blessing. A great testimony from a true born again believer. This is so rare. Open, honest, loving, Julie is in no way ashamed, or embarrassed of her walk with the Lord. Some find it hard to use the name of Jesus for fear of seeming fanatical, or fearing that they will offend some. Not Julie. She also quotes the scriptures, which is a real treat. She tells us how Jesus changed her life using painful situations and struggles that were her life. She doesn’t try to hide her sins, she shares them. And knows that she is forgiven.

It is harder for a rich man (or woman), to enter the kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. But with God all things are possible. I have heard a teaching on this that could explain the eye of the needle in a way that makes sense, but the eye of the needle wasn’t actually a needle, but a reference to an entrance into Jerusalem that was so low that a camel found it hard to enter into it.

I thought this memoir was well written covering a host of things. One being her desire to share her testimony. This is the usual response in scripture for those who came to know the Lord, through out the Bible. Christians are witnesses, and that means we witness to others what the Lord has done for us, for all people, and why He died and was raised from the dead. Sharing our new life and how we grow in Him. We can be a good witness, bringing glory to God, or a bad witness. It is our chose.

I wish everyone would listen to this book, finding in her testimony what all of us need. Jesus!! CathyR

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I don't normally enjoy listening to AudioBooks, but I was really intrigued and wanted to learn of Julie Chen Moonves's Testimony and how she came to Accept Christ.

I truly enjoyed listening to her Testimony and how she is now a stronger person through Christ. Julie had some Life and Family Struggles. She was at the height of her career Co-Host of The TALK on CBS and Host of Big Brother when her world came crashing down. Her husband, Les Moonves, was CEO of CBS Network, and in 2018 accusations of Sexual Misconduct were revealed. Les Moonves ultimately resigned from CBS and Julie was forced out as host of The TALK. She only revealed the Force Out in this Audiobook. Many had believed she made the decision to leave. Julie is very open and honest in her Memoir and says after she came to Christ, she reconciled with many whom she felt she did wrong in the past. Life Scandals, Happenings and so much more can lead one to pray and that is what Julie Chen Moonves did. She came to Christ in 2019 and has been living her life for him since then. I LOVE this quote that I read from Julie: "God before anything and everything," she said. "Once I started that, I found peace, but most of all I found hope."

I HIGHLY recommend this Memoir to anyone who needs to hear encouragement and know that God is there for them just as he was for Julie Chen Moonves. GREAT BOOK!

[Kelli Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize what this was when I started listening to Julie Chen Moonves’s memoir. I was expecting it to be a typical memoir, where she just told about her life and her career. But in reality, this is her testimony in finding Jesus. Julie herself narrates this and tells her story of how she became a Christian and how she continues to live her life as a Christ follower to this day. I absolutely believe that Julie walks her talk, and this was incredibly inspirational to listen to. Especially because in telling her stories you can hear her emotion come through. Many times I got tearful when she did. I always love listening to anybody’s testimony of their journey to find Jesus, and this was no exception. I finished this and actually wished that Julie was somebody that I knew personally, because I would love to sit and discuss Jesus and the Bible with her. I find that a lot of her thoughts, feelings, and interpretations are very similar to my own. Mainly in that Jesus’s main commandment is to love one another. This is how I try to live my life, and it seems this is how Julie lives hers as well.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this faith based memoir by Julie Chen Moonves. She takes you through how she found God at 48. Julie takes you through her struggles and triumphs throughout her life. How know, that she knows God, she sees things He has done throughout it. How things she did that she didn't realize was a sin until she learned about God. It made me look at one thing I sin in repeatedly, I think a lot of us do, that is gossiping. After listening to this audiobook, I pray that God will first: forgive me for gossiping in the past; and second: He gives me strength and helps me from gossiping anymore when the devil tempts me. I want people to see Jesus in me no matter where or when they see me. I recommend this book for anyone that has a relationship with God and wants a closer one, or anyone that doesn't know God to find Him. As Julie said in the audiobook, it's never to late to start a relationship with God, after all she was 48.

🙂 Happy Reading 🙂

#LibbyApp
#CarlislePublicLibrary
#LonokeCountyLibrarySystem
#JulieChenMooves
#ButFirstGod
#SimonandSchuster

[Janet Reifsteck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A candid testimonial of Julie’s faith journey. Julie opens up and shares intimate moments of her life that I’m sure weren’t easy to admit in a public forum to give testament to the way God calls us to change our behavior to be more loving and caring of each other. She was very honest about her ignorance of prayer and how to connect with God despite her desire for a relationship with him. I found this very interesting and thought provoking. I’m not sure I could find inspiration in a zoom ceremony but as she says everyone’s journey is different and her ability to juggle five different churches and recognize that what she gets from each one says to me that she has not just put her heart into her faith but her mind as well. She is very educated and well versed in the Bible . It’s worth the listen !

[Kathleen Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love hearing the voice of Julie Chen-Mooves describe in her own words the work God has performed in and through her life!

« There is no journey worth taking unless it’s taken with God Almighty leading and guiding light »; and this is what I’ve learned in this book. So pour a cup of tea or coffee and take this enlightening and truthful journey with Julie Chen-Moonves who remarkably admits her faults, mistakes, missteps, concerns, before and in coming to know and have a relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ.

I laughed, cried, was shocked and cheered along with Julie Chen-Moonves.

Guess all that’s left is to binge watch some Big Brother now…

Thank you JCM, thank you so very much!!!

KGrant

[Sheri Kempton · Rating 4 out of 5]

But First, God is a comforting and inspiring look into how Julie Chen Moonves rediscovered God and found Jesus. In this audio memoir she talks about looking at life through Jesus goggles and how she lives thinking "What would Jesus do?". I love how open and relatable she is throughout this memoir and it has changed my opinion of her for the better. Each chapter starts out with a line of scripture and there is more scripture throughout. She talks about her upbringing and her relationships within her family, along with how she advanced in her career leading up to Big Brother and The Talk. The cover picture of her is stunning and I hope this memoir eventually comes into print.