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)

I wish I could listen to MORE!

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

I found this fascinating! Hearing history in people's own words and the emotion associated to them was very rewarding.

Any additional comments?

LISTEN TO THIS!

Must Listen

Would you consider the audio edition of Listening Is an Act of Love to be better than the print version?

The audio version as listening to the stories of fellow Americans is more powerful than reading them.

Who was your favorite character and why?

William Jacobs

Which scene was your favorite?

William telling his soon to be MIL he would tell his future wife on their honeymoon she couldn't have children but they would adopt.

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

William telling his grandson Seth how much he loved Seth's grandmother and missed taking care of her once she had Alzheimer's.

Any additional comments?

I recommend the book plus the Story Corp podcast. Wonderful stories.

I'm in tears

Very worth the listen. I loved the depth of the relationships between the couples and families. Absolutely beautiful.

worth the download

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

yes, very touching

What did you like best about this story?

the "realness" of it

Which scene was your favorite?

mother that gave up her son and grandfather/ grandson

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

touching,real

Love this project

I love the whole concept of this story booth project. It’s so great to hear people share their raw and genuine life stories. I just wish I could have listened to more!

Listening IS an act of Love

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

This one is definitely in my top ten, what a great idea!

What did you like best about this story?

Listening to people's voices.

Heartwarming

Could you see Listening Is an Act of Love being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No. I can't see this as a movie.

Any additional comments?

Greatly enjoyed the multiple shorts about peoples lives. Especially the older wise stories.

I Loved This Book

I love listening to the stories in this book. I would never have an opportunity to meet these people otherwise. It makes me feel connected to the world on a human-to-human level.

good program

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

no - it's a one time listen

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

not

What about Dave Isay’s performance did you like?

yes

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

yes

Any additional comments?

The acts of love program is outstanding - this was a 1 hour of tears and smiles. enjoyed!

Incredible

This is terrific, Hearing this just changes your prospective fast.
I can't believe we can have this free.
You will feel every emotion imaginable.