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)

Charming

This was a free "gift" from audible over the 2012 holidays. Its a collection of short touching stories that leave you wanting a bit more history of the past. The stories are spoken by those that experienced them and they will leave a mark on your soul.

I would be interested in additional collections of these stories and will be looking into the project. If this had not been a free offering i likely wouldn't have stumbled upon it. In the same vain. While the stories are worth the listen and make a nice hour filler between books, I'm not sure the associated cost (at the time of the review it was just over $9 for members) is appropriate for only an hour.

Maybe not in the car, nearly cried my face off

A truly lovely memorialization of our collective humanity. I added this it to my cart a while back and forgot what it was about. After a weighty tome I needed something different and having forgotten what this book was about I was half dreading it was a self help. I figured becoming a better version of myself was the worst that could come from listening to a book about actively engaging with others instead of waiting for my turn to talk. While I learned that lesson from this book it was because other people showed me the way. This is an amazing listen. You will need tissues. You will be a better person for listening.

Very special

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

heartbreaking
happy
reality

What did you like best about this story?

That they are real

Which scene was your favorite?

dont know

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the spanish mom and daughter

Any additional comments?

from happy to heartbreaking. very special. thank you, audible!

Touching stories

So glad I could take a moment and listen to these stories. Well worth the listen.

Truly inspiring

Such a marvelous concept, I loved hearing every story—so much love and adoration was expressed. The stories I heard were inspiring; made me want to record some cherished experiences to share with my kids for when they get older.

Wow - This free read was among the best

I downloaded this because I knew what Story Corps was from NPR, and it was free. I have re-listened to it several times. The sincerity of the speakers absolutely permeates the experience. I'd give the ratings 6 stars or more if I could.

Brief, Emotional Listen

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

Audible’s member freebies are always hit-or-miss. This one works.

What really makes this listen appealing is the unique and experimental way it was created—short, personal stories are spoken firsthand by real people, not translated and rewritten by a professional author.

The stories themselves are in turn heartwarming, funny, sad, and charming. Always impactful.

If you didn’t get this as a members freebie for Thanksgiving 2012 and are interested in NPR’s StoryCorps program, this piece does not disappoint.

Excellent idea

My mom made several tapes telling her life's story. She made us promise not to listen to them until after she was dead; but they are so precious now. In this day when just discovering an ancestor's name is a major "find," what a treasure a voice and story would be! I wish everyone would do this.

Listen to this, the stories are heartfelt

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

I think this is one of my favorite books, the real stories of normal people are very easy to listen to but they show how diverse people really are.

Beautiful! Beautiful!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the story tellers have their unique sweetness, truth and sincerity - the willingness to share and bare what they felt was real to them was apparent.

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

I have always liked these performances. I can't say

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

All of the above. These characters pull you in immediately and you feel an intimate connection to them.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to this twice. What a beautiful Thanksgiving gift.Thank you Audible. This is lovely!