Miracle: A Celebration of New Life by Anne Geddes, Celine Dion
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Book Reviews of Miracle: A Celebration of New Life
Book Review: Miracle: A Beatiful Fusion of Image and Song
Summary: 5 Stars
I must admit, I've never owned a Geddes book before, nor have I looked at them in the past. I bought this wonderful CD/DVD/Book combination purely for the sake of Celine Dion's involvement. If not for her, it would not be on my bookshelf. Yet, I find Celine is only featured in less than 25% of the book, and I still find myself adoring the whole of this confection.
In regards to the CD, in response to the reviewer who cited this as a rehashing of recordings from past Dion releases, it is nothing of the sort. With the exception of Track 8, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", which regretably is the same recording found on the 1999 "All The Way..." compilation, the remainder of the songs found here are exclusive to this release. Believe me, I would know, I have the pleasure to own all Celine's releases in both English and French.
As far as the DVD goes, as a lone release it might seem a bit inadequite, lasting just over 21 minutes, yet as a companion to this magical book, it is utterly perfect, giving the viewer a gracious insite into the collaberation of Anne and Celine which brought forth this work which radiates both of these accomplished, respected ladies' devotion to children, and the Miracle that children are.
In looking at the book itself, there are no words to describe the depth of color, and clear detail, and respect each image has obviously been given. Each of these precious hopes for our future look fully at peace and beautifully positioned in each of the nearly hundred images found in this huge volume. In regards to the pictures featuring Dion, her own maternal instincts and love for these babies seems to radiate from the printed page. Yet when Celine is present, she seems to not in the least upstage the tiny beings she is suppoerting, instead your attention is first drawn to the innocent miracles she holds tenderly, and then to Dion herself.
This work is a purely perfect collaberation, and wonderful product for anyone. This is not only for the expecting mother, new mother, or grandmother, this is simply for anyone who loves life and the miracle of its beginning.
Book Review: The Miracle of Miracle
Summary: 5 Stars
I never bought Anne Geddes' books before, but I always thought her photography was innovative and unprecedented. When I first heard that my favourite singer Céline Dion would start working on a project with Anne Geddes I was not sure what to expect. I don't think any of her fans did. In the meantime I decided to look at some of the previous Geddes books to get the idea but I still couldn't figure out how the whole Dion/Geddes collaboration was supposed to come together.
Then when the book was released I was stunned by the incredible photography. Céline is present in the book, but she rather gives the images a more powerful force than outshining those beautiful newborn babies, which I was afraid of would happen. It underlines again Geddes' artistic talent as a photographer to be able to show us Céline Dion, known as the celebrity and the powerful engergetic singer, as Céline Dion the mother and the strong, beautiful and caring person she is.
The book comes with a CD with new songs all about the miracle of life and children. Produced by David Foster the songs are pure and sincere. Céline's voice never sounded better. And the variety of the songs really surprised me!! Céline's rendition of "Beautiful Boy" originally by John Lennon gives Céline once again another sound.
Then there's the DVD that also comes with the book which gives us a beautiful insight in the making of the book and confirms that, like some people like to claim, are NOT abused but very tenderly and lovingly taking care of by Anne, Céline and their parents. You'll see that the baby's are placed on soft foamed shapes to resemble the shape of the flowers they are later digitally placed in! Everybody claiming those babies are abused should be ashamed of themselves and take their words back! They obviously don't know what they are talking about!
Book Review: A glowing look at maternity and birth -- a miracle, indeed!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit not having been the biggest fan of Dion or Geddes' work in the past, finding both a little saccharine for my tastes. But I have to acknowledge that they make a powerful combination, with Dion's powerful voice and Geddes' unparalleled skill at crafting unforgettable images providing a unique opportunity for both creators to examine not only the miracle of birth and the uniquely adorable qualities of babies, but also a subtle reflection on mortality and fate.
The resonance of the work stands on its own, with Dion's timeless pop stylings underscoring Geddes' lush sense of artistry, but beneath the images is a depth many wouldn't ascribe to either artist. Too often Dion and Geddes are both passed over as 'pop' artists with nothing serious to contribute, but from the cover, with Dion cradling her child, here done up as though it has some greenish skull-destroying disease, it is obvious that the two are not shy at exploring all facets of motherhood, from the most glowing positives to the slightest of down sides.
Dion, too, combines slick modern production hooks with the rasp of age beginning to show in her voice, as Geddes plumbs deeper into a more sombre series of shades than previous. What does it mean when you cut open a watermelon and find a child inside? A question heretofore unasked, but one that should be asked, and often.
A masterwork, and highly recommended for both new mothers and scholars of the human life cycle.
Book Review: Powerful affirmation of life
Summary: 5 Stars
Anne Geddes and Celine Dion have collaborated on a powerful work of art that emcompasses sound and vision, through Geddes' stunning photography and Dion's beautiful voice. While some cynics might bemoan this project, most people who have children or grandchildren will find the pictures moving, inspiring, and comforting. As for Dion's songs, she sings from a deep place in her heart that is touching without being maudlin...this subject matter is obviously very special to her, and it shows in the passion--and compassion--of her singing. The selection of songs is versatile without being inapproprate or incoherent. As a man, and an "Alpha Male" at that (who usually listens to Johnny Cash), I was a little surprised by the way in which the book and CD affected me...but then again, I have a young daughter who has me wrapped around her little finger, which perhaps explains everything!Book Review: A Stunning, Marvelous Combination of Words, Music, Pictures
Summary: 5 Stars
Miracle is a good title for this book as it celebrates a new life. I don't think that those of us who have been through the experience of having a child could look at this book without realizing the miracle that takes place when a newborn comes into the world. And as strong as it is for a father, it must be even stronger for a mother.
The other word that I find for this book is magic. I suspect that the teckie in me says that this is what you would get from combining good photography and photoshop. In fact I had wondered just what the photoshop special effects would be used for. Now I know. It's to produce magic.
This is an absolutely wonderful book. Then you combine the music with the words and pictures and you have truly marvelous. I have not been aware of either the photography or music of these artists, now I shall have to find more of each.