Listening Is an Act of Love

A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project

By: Dave Isay

Narrated by: Dave Isay

Length: 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Drawn from the work of StoryCorps, the largest and most ambitious private oral history project in American history, comes this tapestry of the stories Americans have been sharing from their lives to leave behind to their loved ones.

©2008 Dave Isay (P)2008 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Dave Isay's vision of collecting the everyday stories of Americans is so simple and yet so powerful. Listening Is an Act of Love will make you laugh, cry and think. These stories come from the souls of individual Americans. Collectively, they are who we are as a people. You cannot read this book without feeling proud of your country." (Former US Senator Bill Bradley)

"Here are the observations and memories of a giant, diverse nation's citizens. In its sum, StoryCorps asks Americans to reflect upon their experiences, their times of travail, their achievements. In so doing, these individuals create an encompassing national narration: a people's hopes, fears and aspirations, all rendered poignantly to attentive listeners whose respect has enabled, finally, a presentation of a people's mind, heart, soul." (Dr. Robert Coles, James Agee Professor of Social Ethics, Harvard University)

"This book is absolutely remarkable. Listening is an Act of Love is history in the richest sense of the word, the kind that makes people feel like they count. It's a celebration of the lives of the uncelebrated. In our world today people feel helpless, but once they speak of their lives they become alive! This is what our country is all about. Never has a book been more timely or necessary." (Studs Terkel)

Love it!

I have shared this book was so many people! I love listening to all the stories. Some are happy and some are sad but they are all excellent.

Listen you want to hear real stories

Would you listen to Listening Is an Act of Love again? Why?

Yes, I will listen to this every time I need my spirits lifted or want my heart to be touched.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Since the book is only about an hour long, it's the perfect listen. I do wish it was longer though. I love to listen to real stories by real people.

Unsurprisingly, worth $9 for an hour!

If you could sum up Listening Is an Act of Love in three words, what would they be?

worth nine bucks!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The oldest daughter who was forced to move rocks for getting a bad grade/mark. She and her father remind me that it's not easy, never was, and never will be.

Have you listened to any of Dave Isay’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've not listened to Dave Isay before but I will now.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I like what Dave (if it was Dave) chose.

A very special listen!

An even more enjoyable listen, when done with loved ones. More people need to know about this book, StoryCorps and the Alzheimer's Memory Loss Initiative!

inspiring, authentic

Where does Listening Is an Act of Love rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I thoroughly enjoyed the unvarnished stories of life, love and inspiration. Please do more of these soon.

Inspiring and heartfelt stories of real life

What made the experience of listening to Listening Is an Act of Love the most enjoyable?

I've been a fan of the Story Corps project from its inception. It was heartwarming to listen to the various stories presented in this book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and cried in different parts of the book. I am going on a long distance car ride with my husband and son tomorrow and I am going to have them listen to the stories. I can't wait to hear them again. Thank you for the gift Audible.

Heartbreaking and Inspiring all at Once

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. But, one has to listen to this by themselves, unless they don't mind tearing up in front of others (or bursting out with laughter from the sheer joy of some of the stories). If you get through this entire selection without a tear in your eye, you should check your pulse. You may already be dead.

What did you like best about this story?

Each story is told by the actual person and you get to hear the genuine emotion in their voices.

Have you listened to any of Dave Isay’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not heard Dave before. But I would listen to him narrate a book.

Any additional comments?

At the end, all I wanted to do was run out and find one of the places that records stories and record my own history.

short, but very sweet

Would you listen to Listening Is an Act of Love again? Why?

I would listen again when I need that reminder of how good the simple moments in life can be.

What about Dave Isay’s performance did you like?

It wasn't as much the actual narrator as it was the people being interviewed. I loved hearing the stories from the people who actually lived them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to it all in one sitting. With it being abridged, it was only about an hour long and I listened to it over my lunch break one day.

Wow!

What made the experience of listening to Listening Is an Act of Love the most enjoyable?

Authentic voices sharing an amazing variety of American experiences.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It completely touched me and, yes, there were some tears framing the smiles.

Any additional comments?

Leaves you wanting more. Thanks for sharing, Audible.

Heartwarming

What did you love best about Listening Is an Act of Love?

I felt connected to the people telling the stories. For some reason, their interviewing each other was endearing.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and I cried

Any additional comments?

Great reminder that we all have the same feelings whatever walks of life we come from