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)

Loved this great surprise

I didn't know what to expect with this since I always listen to fiction. But this was a fantastic collection. I found myself wishing it was longer.

Better than Fiction!

I had never heard of StoryCorps before, and I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to this. The stories were wonderful, and some of them brought tears to my eyes (much to my chagrin, since I was listening to this at the gym!!!). I absolutely loved each and every story; there was not a bad story in the bunch. These are honest, heart-felt stories; having them told by the people in their own voices was superb! Thank you, Audible for the free gift and also to introducing me to this concept!

inspirational

I found this an inspirational compilation. No matter how hard our current experiences are we can over come any obstacle.

Wish there was more

My coworker recommended this because I've been craving more and more nonfiction content and couldn't decide on a book. While I enjoyed every story, I wish it was a little more in depth for the price. The stories were too short. I could have just listened to the story corp podcast for free. I thought with a book there would be something more.

Lovely and engaging

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

Every one of the StoryCorps stories was heartwarming. I wanted to listen on and on. I even looked for more in the Audible library, but couldn't find any. This is really worth listening to. Have tissues handy!

What did you like best about this story?

The human experiences.

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

This Is Life

Any additional comments?

I listen to StoryCorps every Friday on my local NPR station, and always look forward to it. Please put more stories together!

Listening helps

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

I really enjoyed listening to these great personal stories. I would like to listening to more stories.

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

I have not listened to any others.

Make you laugh, makes you cry

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

My wife and I listened to this short book while driving on Alligotor Alley from Miami to Naples, and all I can say is that it was the most enjoyable trip ever, because of the book.

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

Yes

Want to hear more!

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

True honest feelings that come right from the heart

What did you like best about this story?

Each individual story is a lasting one.

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

I got a lump in my throat most of the time, and laughed the rest of the time.

This is what love is, all in 55 short minutes.

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

The openness of the real people in this is amazing.

What does Dave Isay bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dave Isay has a gentle and a kind soul which is perfect for this book and adds to the stories.

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

This is a very short book about many people who touch your heart and make you laugh and cry.

Loved listening to this...made me want more

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

The personal stories were so touching. I went home a researched the project. I am so sad that my parents and grandparents aren't here to do this with. What a wonderful idea and project. Priceless for so many families.