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Macmillan Childrens Publishing Group

This I Believe

  • This I Believe II
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    • This I Believe II

    • This I Believe (Volume 2)
      Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Henry Holt and Co.

    • A collection of inspiring personal philosophies from a noteworthy group of seventy-five essayists

      • Available in:

      • Physical Book
      • Audio Book
      • eBook
  • This I Believe
    g

    • This I Believe

    • This I Believe (Volume 1)
      Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Henry Holt and Co.

    • An inspiring collection of the personal philosophies and core values of a fascinating group of Americans

      • Available in:

      • Physical Book
      • Audio Book
      • eBook
  • A Mother's Gift

    • A Mother's Gift

    • This I Believe
      Dan Gediman, ed.; Read by various
      Macmillan Audio

    • An inspiring collection of personal essays with a focus on motherhood; the perfect Mother's Day gift.

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • How Do You Believe in a Mystery?

    • How Do You Believe in a Mystery?

    • This I Believe
      Loudon Wainwright III; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Musician Loudon Wainwright III explains that the joy in writing a song comes from the mystery of its creation

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Tomorrow Will be a Better Day

    • Tomorrow Will be a Better Day

    • This I Believe
      Josh Rittenberg; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Teenager Josh Rittenberg contemplates the past his ancestors overcome and the future his generation faces

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The 50-Percent Theory of Life

    • The 50-Percent Theory of Life

    • This I Believe
      Steve Porter; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Steve Porter uses his experience on the family farm to explain his "50-Percent Theory of Life"

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • We Are Each Other's Business

    • We Are Each Other's Business

    • This I Believe
      Eboo Patel; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Eboo Patel discusses the importance of active interfaith support in addition to tolerance

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Making of Poems

    • The Making of Poems

    • This I Believe
      Gregory Orr; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Poet Gregory Orr reflects on the power of poetry to help people endure traumatic events and isolation

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Power of Love to Transform and Heal

    • The Power of Love to Transform and Heal

    • This I Believe
      Jackie Lantry; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Jackie Lantry describes meeting her adopted Chinese son for the first time

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Bright Lights of Freedom

    • The Bright Lights of Freedom

    • This I Believe
      Harold Hongju Koh; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Harold Hongju Koh describes how the partition of Korea and his role as a human rights official in the State Department shaped his belief in "The Bright Lights of Freedom"

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • A New Birth of Freedom

    • A New Birth of Freedom

    • This I Believe
      Maximilian Hodder; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Director Maximilian Hodder tells of his restored faith in humanity after escaping a Soviet gulag, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Talking with the Sun

    • Talking with the Sun

    • This I Believe
      Joy Harjo; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Poet Joy Harjo reflects on the importance of maintaining her ancestors' connection to the sun

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Good Can Be as Communicable as Evil

    • Good Can Be as Communicable as Evil

    • This I Believe
      Norman Corwin; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Radio producer and screenwriter Norman Corwin reflects on small but contagious acts of kindness and compassion

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • A Shared Moment of Trust

    • A Shared Moment of Trust

    • This I Believe
      Warren Christopher; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher reflects on humanity’s interdependence and reliance on each other

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • A Journey Toward Acceptance and Love

    • A Journey Toward Acceptance and Love

    • This I Believe
      Greg Chapman; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Greg Chapman describes the power of crafting his own story as a gay man from a conservative Baptist background.

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The People Have Spoken

    • The People Have Spoken

    • This I Believe
      Mark Shields; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Political commentator Mark Shields expresses his faith in politics and admiration for politicians willing to take an unpopular stand

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Disrupting My Comfort Zone

    • Disrupting My Comfort Zone

    • This I Believe
      Brian Grazer; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Oscar Award-winning producer Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13) talks about "Disrupting My Comfort Zone" in both his professional and personal life

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The America I Believe In

    • The America I Believe In

    • This I Believe
      Colin Powell; Edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman; Read by the author
      Macmillan Audio

    • Former Secretary of State, and first generation American, Colin Powell explains the importance of remaining an open and welcoming nation for NPR's This I Believe series.

      This...

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Mysterious Connections that Link Us Together

    • Mysterious Connections that Link Us Together

    • This I Believe
      Azar Nafisi; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Professor and author Azar Nafisi remembers empathy from unexpected sources

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • When Ordinary People Achieve Extraordinary Things

    • When Ordinary People Achieve Extraordinary Things

    • This I Believe
      Jody Williams; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams reflects that average people can unite to create a better world

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • I Agree with a Pagan

    • I Agree with a Pagan

    • This I Believe
      Arnold Toynbee; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Historian Arnold Toynbee describes how relating to others, even when it causes us to suffer, makes us human, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Finding Prosperity By Feeding Monkeys

    • Finding Prosperity By Feeding Monkeys

    • This I Believe
      Harold Taw; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Harold Taw explains an unusual birthday tradition

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Always Go to the Funeral

    • Always Go to the Funeral

    • This I Believe
      Deirdre Sullivan; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Deidre Sullivan describes the lessons she learned from her father's advice to "Always Go To The Funeral"

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

    • Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

    • This I Believe
      Andrew Sullivan; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Andrew Sullivan reflects on what some of America's most fundamental values mean to him

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Jazz is the Sound of God Laughing

    • Jazz is the Sound of God Laughing

    • This I Believe
      Colleen Shaddox; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Colleen Shaddox explains how music unites her family even during difficult times

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • When Children Are Wanted

    • When Children Are Wanted

    • This I Believe
      Margaret Sanger; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, explains how wanting children before conception can lead to greater good in the world, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Artistry in Hidden Talents

    • The Artistry in Hidden Talents

    • This I Believe
      Mel Rusnov; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Mel Rusnov describes the delight of discovering hidden talents, especially music, in people otherwise defined by their careers

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Free Minds and Hearts at Work

    • Free Minds and Hearts at Work

    • This I Believe
      Jackie Robinson; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Baseball legend Jackie Robinson reflects on fighting imperfection to create a better world, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • There is More to Life than Life

    • There is More to Life than Life

    • This I Believe
      Jamaica Ritcher; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • A daughter's question about their dead cat leads Jamaica Ritcher to realize her beliefs

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Real Consequences of Justice

    • The Real Consequences of Justice

    • This I Believe
      Frederic Reamer; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Frederic Reamer finds his belief in justice tested every time he faces criminals and victims at parole board hearings

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Rule of Law

    • The Rule of Law

    • This I Believe
      Michael Mullane; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Michael Mullane believes the rule of law must be upheld, even in times of threat and crisis

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • There is Such a Thing as Truth

    • There is Such a Thing as Truth

    • This I Believe
      Errol Morris; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Filmmaker Errol Morris contemplates the lengths people may go to uncover--or deny--the facts

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Why I Close My Restaurant

    • Why I Close My Restaurant

    • This I Believe
      George Mardikian; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Restaurateur George Mardikian tells of his immigration to the United States and how he tries to repay the warm embrace Americans have given him, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Life Grows in the Soil of Time

    • Life Grows in the Soil of Time

    • This I Believe
      Thomas Mann; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Novelist and essayist Thomas Mann expresses appreciation that time gives humanity a sense of life's value, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Power of Mysteries

    • The Power of Mysteries

    • This I Believe
      Alan Lightman; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Astrophysicist and novelist Alan Lightman explains how the unknown fuels human creativity

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Light of a Brighter Day

    • The Light of a Brighter Day

    • This I Believe
      Helen Keller; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Helen Keller discusses her vision of faith and how it gives her hope for the future of mankind, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Living Life with Grace and Elegant Treeness

    • Living Life with Grace and Elegant Treeness

    • This I Believe
      Ruth Kamps; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Ruth Kamps finds solace in nature and inspiration in her "spiritual sister," the pine tree growing outside her kitchen window

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Benefits of Restlessness and Jagged Edges

    • The Benefits of Restlessness and Jagged Edges

    • This I Believe
      Kay Redfield Jamison; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Professor of psychiatry Kay Redfield Jamison describes the power of intense emotions and temperaments

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Natural Links in a Long Chain of Being

    • Natural Links in a Long Chain of Being

    • This I Believe
      Victor Hanson; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Professor of Classics Victor Davis Hanson contemplates the continuity of generations

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Happy Talk

    • Happy Talk

    • This I Believe
      Oscar Hammerstein II; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Musical librettist and producer Oscar Hammerstein explains the importance of declaring your happiness, even in the face of global conflicts and personal disappointments, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • A Grown-Up Barbie

    • A Grown-Up Barbie

    • This I Believe
      Jane Hamill; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Fashion designer Jane Hamill describes the endless possibilities of clothes and imagination

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Power of Presence

    • The Power of Presence

    • This I Believe
      Debbie Hall; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Psychologist Debbie Hall values the simple act of "being there" as a form of connection

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Seeing in Beautiful, Precise Pictures

    • Seeing in Beautiful, Precise Pictures

    • This I Believe
      Temple Grandin; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Animal expert Temple Grandin describes the benefits of the concrete thinking that accompanies her autism

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Connection Between Strangers

    • The Connection Between Strangers

    • This I Believe
      Miles Goodwin; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Miles Goodwin describes the profound impact of a small "Connection Between Strangers"

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The People Who Love You When No One Else Will

    • The People Who Love You When No One Else Will

    • This I Believe
      Cecile Gilmer; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Cecile Gilmer explains how she found a loving family when her biological one failed her

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The God Who Embraced Me

    • The God Who Embraced Me

    • This I Believe
      John W. Fountain; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • John W. Fountain reflects on the importance of fathers, both biological and divine

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • A Goal of Service to Humankind

    • A Goal of Service to Humankind

    • This I Believe
      Anthony Fauci; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Dr. Anthony Fauci reflects on the meaning of knowledge, excellence, and service in his life

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Have I Learned Anything Important Since I was Sixteen?

    • Have I Learned Anything Important Since I was Sixteen?

    • This I Believe
      Elizabeth Deutsch (Earle); read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Elizabeth Deutsch Earle reflects on her original This I Believe Essay, first aired in the 1950s when she was then the youngest contributor to the program

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • An Honest Doubter

    • An Honest Doubter

    • This I Believe
      Elizabeth Deutsch (Earle); read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Elizabeth Deutsch was the youngest contributor to the first This I Believe series, with her reflections about actively searching for a personal philosophy and a personal faith in this essay that originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • A Daily Walk Just to Listen

    • A Daily Walk Just to Listen

    • This I Believe
      Susan Cosio; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Susan Cosio talks about finding God during "A Daily Walk Just to Listen" to Him

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Hardest Work You Will Ever Do

    • The Hardest Work You Will Ever Do

    • This I Believe
      Mary Cook; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Mary Cook explains how her recovery from grief taught her that to grieve is to give in

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • There is No Job More Important than Parenting

    • There is No Job More Important than Parenting

    • This I Believe
      Benjamin Carson; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Former neurosurgeon Ben Carson describes his mother's dedication to his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Fellowship of the World

    • The Fellowship of the World

    • This I Believe
      Niven Busch; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Novelist and screenwriter Niven Busch discusses faith, prayer, and subway rides, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • How Is It Possible to Believe in God?

    • How Is It Possible to Believe in God?

    • This I Believe
      William F. Buckley, Jr.; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Public intellectual, conservative author and political commentator William F. Buckley, Jr., speaks to his belief in divine creation

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Leaving Identity Issues to Other Folks

    • Leaving Identity Issues to Other Folks

    • This I Believe
      Phyllis Allen; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Phyllis Allen reflects on tumultuous decades and the changing vocabulary of race

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Unleashing the Power of Creativity

    • Unleashing the Power of Creativity

    • This I Believe
      Bill Gates; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Bill Gates discusses his optimism that creativity and intelligence will make the world a better place

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • An Athlete of God

    • An Athlete of God

    • This I Believe
      Martha Graham; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • In this essay originally aired in the 1950s, legendary modern dance and ballet choreographer Martha Graham explains what it means to be a dancer

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Testing the Limits of What I Know and Feel

    • Testing the Limits of What I Know and Feel

    • This I Believe
      John Updike; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Updike comments on how writing fiction can push the writer's boundaries

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • The Mountain Disappears

    • The Mountain Disappears

    • This I Believe
      Leonard Bernstein; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein expresses his belief in the potential of people to create change, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Goodness Doesn't Just Happen

    • Goodness Doesn't Just Happen

    • This I Believe
      Rebecca West; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Critic, journalist, novelist, and feminist Rebecca West describes her discovery that human nature does not naturally support liberty

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Creative Solutions to Life's Challenges

    • Creative Solutions to Life's Challenges

    • This I Believe
      Frank X Walker; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Frank X. Walker sees many supposed survival skills as "Creative Solutions to Life’s Challenges"

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • In Praise of the

    • In Praise of the "Wobblies"

    • This I Believe
      Ted Gup; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Ted Gup reflects on the value of confusion

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • My Father's Evening Star

    • My Father's Evening Star

    • This I Believe
      William O. Douglas; read by the author;Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas encourages a return to the faith of his father's generation, in this essay originally aired in the 1950s

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • In Giving I Connect With Others

    • In Giving I Connect With Others

    • This I Believe
      Isabel Allende; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Novelist Isabelle Allende reflects on how her daughter's life--and death--taught her that "In Giving I Connect With Others"

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • Science Nourishes the Mind and Soul

    • Science Nourishes the Mind and Soul

    • This I Believe
      Brian Greene; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Physicist Brian Greene believes that in unraveling the mysteries of the universe, we can find an appreciation for our own place in the cosmos, and be inspired by the drama of exploration and discovery

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book
  • A Duty to Heal

    • A Duty to Heal

    • This I Believe
      Pius Kamau; read by the author; Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, eds.
      Macmillan Audio

    • Surgeon Pius Kamau describes caring for patients regardless of their racial views

      • Available in:

      • Audio Book

Watch

<a href="http://us.macmillan.com/series/thisibelieve/#media">This I Believe II Audiobook Excerpt--Robert Fulghum</a>

This I Believe II Audiobook Excerpt--Robert Fulghum

Listen to Robert Fulghum, author of the bestselling book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, talk about his belief in dancing in this audiobook excerpt from This I Believe II, edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman. This second collection of This I Believe essays gathers seventy-five essayists—ranging from famous to previously unknown—completing the thought that begins the book's title.

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