This I Believe: Life Lessons (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
This is just one in a series of essays published by NPR from people across all walks of life describing their belief systems. This edition focuses on life lessons. Each author describes a life lesson they feel has been most significant for them in approximately 2 to 5 pages. They're short and easy to read and, frequently, profound and motivating. My personal favorite revolved around the idea of repurposing instead of purchasing. As I've been cleaning and organizing my home, I've been working hard to employ this. Instead of rushing out to the store to buy storage and organization items (which is SO tempting and would be SO much fun), I'm trying hard to use things I already own that could function just as well. WritingObviously, the writing style and skill varies by author. Some of the authors are authors and some are scientists and some are housewives - you get the idea. I think the skill in writing was less important in this book than it was the ability to convey the life lesson in an inspiring way. For me, the book succeeded pretty much across the board.Entertainment ValueThis makes for a perfect bedside table (or back of the toilet) book. It can be read in bits and pieces and it doesn't require a lot of time to complete an essay - they are all very short. At the same time, I think it makes for a fine book to sit down and read all at once as well - that's how I read it. OverallI recommend giving it a try. It's pretty cool to read about what other people consider their most important life lessons and, as with the repurposing essay, I think there's something for everyone to glean some insight from. Okay, full disclosure - I have an essay included in this book so I'm one of the many, many contributors. I'll let you decide for yourself about that essay - "I Could be Wrong." I found the book to be better than I expected. Some of the essays are simple (I believe in a good night's sleep) while others are more profound - "Caring Makes Us Human" written by a long-time prison inmate or "The Grace of Silence" written by a minority man who needed silence to be in touch with his own self. Some are unexpectedly empowering like the life lessons learned doing Roller Derby. This is an easy read; but don't hurry. Read one or two. When a thought strikes you as new or worth considering; put the book down, walk away, give it some time to simmer. Then come back for another taste when you've digested that one.
What do You think about This I Believe: Life Lessons (2011)?
I need to start listening to NPR. This was a great anthology.
—noorfarooqui
Some really inspiring essays. Delightful!
—Kristen
