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)

A must listen! Very inspiring! A tear jerker!

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

I have not read the print version, but listening to the stories in the voices of the ones telling them was wonderful! I highly recommend this audio book!!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The story of the Korean lady who learned to hug and say I love you was one of the highlights as well as the military man who continued to have dreams of the boy he killed in self defense. The last story of the love of an elderly couple dealing with alzheimer was touching, but the one of the sister of an aids victim is when the tear really started flowing!

What about Dave Isay’s performance did you like?

His voice was neither happy nor sad. He let the stories take you away, instead of getting caught in the narrative before the people told their stories! I really liked how he gave updates after the interview as well!

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

Yes! Once it stated, I didn't want it to end! I would love a series of these! I will have to check out the radio broadcast that was mentioned at the end!

Any additional comments?

Great Listen!!! God Bless!

Fantastic makes me want to be involved

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

This is touching. I loved hearing other people's life stories. You laugh and could cry with this book. It's short and I just want to hear more. It's fantastic.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The in love couple where great but there was an old man from a war that was touching also. How fabulous if our parents or great great grandparents had left us audio. It would leave you wanting more.

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

He's a good narrator. The music ran a little long between stories but cool book.

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

Both.

Interesting idea

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

Yes, StoryCorps has recording booths that travel the country. People are recorded telling their memories or doing interviews. The recordings are categorized (for this audio book) into similar themes or time periods. There are people who tell stories of what it was like to be in WWII, natural disasters, and to lose a loved one on 9/11. There are also just people who want to tell about their life. The stories in this book are very moving and well-told.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed that there was a variety of stories and from different perspectives.

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

NO

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

No, but that was helpful. It was easy to listen in small chunks because it's a compilation.

Cute Idea

This seems like a cute idea. I have seen something similar with the World War 2 Holocaust Project by Steven Spielberg. This one is for having good memories of our past.

This is a Great Collection of American Stories by

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

This is a great collection of stories by ordinary Americans from all walks of life. A bunch of stories that you might hear around the fireplace or dinner table.

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.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable and moving...a Thanksgiving gift from Audible. Thank you.

A Feel Good Listen

The opportunity to peer into the lives of real people by listening to their own voices explaining their own stories is incomparable.

Cried in the Car

Who was your favorite character and why?

The woman who described sneaking into the United States really touched me.

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

I listened to this audiobook in the car and I sure hope the drivers around me couldn't see me because I was sobbing the whole time! This was a very touching audiobook. Actors are all well and good, but real stories from the people who experienced them are another thing entirely.

Touching

This is a lovely reminder of what makes us all human. Different relationship dynamics (grandparent-grandchild, mother-daughter, etc). Different life experiences. Listening to this makes me want to record my parents and my husband's Aunt's history.

I will read these stories over and over again...

...especially the last short story because it may very well be a love story much like my own.

Let's Talk Story

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

Yes, It's a real feel good, cup of coffee, relaxing read.

What other book might you compare Listening Is an Act of Love to and why?

Chicken Soup books - It's real people telling real stories about real relationships.

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

All of them.

Any additional comments?

Great stories. This book made me wiish my grandparents were alive and make memories that could have lasted for a lifetime. I cried, laughed, smiled and just felt good all over.