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)

Moving and inspirational!!!

You see, you are going to be downpouring tears of incredible joy. You won't be able to help yourself. In fact, I dare you not to. And if you do not cry, you just might not have a heart; best see a doctor.

This was a great collection of 3-5 minute stories about people's lives. I was so intrigued I looked up their web site and was happily surprised I could listen to other stories on the website. I immediately sent a web link to all my friends and family. I laughed, I cried, I had a roller coaster ride of emotion during this short hour of time. This incredibly moving collection of conversations, recollections, tributes, and memories are from ordinary - extraordinary people. God bless the StoryCorps, and all of the beautiful stories it is collecting. What a treasure. And best of all, it was free.

Real people telling real stories. Nothing compares.

And Merry Christmas to ya-all!!

Impressive, encouraging, heart warming

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

It's better to hear the stories directly from the persons themselves than the narrator. They express their real emmotion, love, anger, sadness...

What was one of the most memorable moments of Listening Is an Act of Love?

There were many memorable moments; William Jacobson took care of his wife who had Alzheimer. He didn't feel burden because he loved her. Mary Luis gave up her son for adoption. She told her agoney to give up her son. Joice Bartler, mother of four, worked hard in the shipyard to support her kids. They are all very strong in the difficult circumstances.

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

It's all love.

great oral history

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

By its very nature, the audio is better because the people featured speak not only in their own words but in their individual voices.

What did you like best about this story?

The interviews and the diversity.

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

No

Listining to Act of Love

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

Yes. It's a good book. And it gives you good advice. I recommend listening to this audio book.

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

No.

Very heart warming

I would like to thank the author for sharing these stories. As well as all the people who shared their stories with you. I believe the more we share our lives the closer we will become as human beings.

Just want to hear more

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

Although it brought on a few tears, I'd love to hear more. So interesting, the different kinds of relationships and situations people discuss.

Moving Stories of Love Between Family and Friends

"Listening Is An Act of Love" was one of the most moving audio-books (and books) that I've ever read. I really enjoyed the fact that these stories were about real people in real relationships as families and friends, and not just about romantic relationships only.

Despite that I loved most of these stories, some of the stories were a bit too moving, and a bit too heavy for me. Most likely, they triggered some of my issues, lol.

If you enjoy a good true-to-life story, then you'll love this audio book many times over for the many many great stories it tells.

Sincerely,
Donna Marie Johnson
CEO at GGene S.I.S., LLC

Totally a Ploy to get you to buy something

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

tell one complete story instead of clips

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I liked that you can basically tell your story and they'll store it for you.

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

All of the stories were good.

The Stories of our Lives

Talk to your loved ones and document the stories. Once they are gone, the stories are lost. Even if you start by simply captioning photos, it’s better than nothing.

Thank you, Audible

This 1-hour gem was a "gift" from Audible--a free selection offered on Thanksgiving Eve. Because I was between books the day I received this, I listened to it that evening. What a wonderful concept Isay introduces, of making studio-quality recordings of oral histories for generations to come. I enjoyed every story. If this is, or will be offered in unabridged format or as a continuing series, I'll be first in line for all that come. Thank you Audible. What a thoughtfully timed gift to your customers.