The Listening Bench

What Would You Tell a Stranger in Confidence?

By: Randy Judd

Narrated by: Ric Chetter

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

What would you tell a stranger in confidence? What secret have you held within yourself that needs to be released?

After early retirement, Jonah Freeman finds himself unsure of his next chapter in life. His corporate career had not been especially fulfilling. He hoped his next stage would help him find more purpose and self-actualization. To his surprise, he stumbles upon a need that he works to fulfill. After some serendipitous events, Jonah begins listening to strangers’ personal stories on a bench in a city park.

Those that confide in him find comfort in telling Jonah their secrets that they cannot tell family, friends, or even spouses. The stories he listens to include such heart-wrenching topics as personal tragedy, family secrets, regrets, and loneliness. They also are stories of hope and change.

The Listening Bench is not only about the people who confide in Jonah on the bench, but about his own external conflicts. His new life on the bench causes him to recollect his own history and prepares him for the events of his future.

The Listening Bench leaves the listener with a desire to listen more intimately to the people in their own lives and seek out ways to make a difference in the world.

©2022 Randy Judd (P)2023 Randy Judd

Enjoyed it

This book is good. The story line is of various people who come to the listening bench. It is a concept that is of good value. It’s sad that in real life we don’t have listening benches.

If only there was a bench.

What a absolute wonderful read. You will laugh, and yes, cry, but most of all you will ponder what it would be like to have such a place to lay down your troubles and unburden your soul. This book will stay with you long after you have finished it. I think this is the true mark of a good book. Looking forward to the next book from this wonderful author.

Sweet story

This was a sweet story and was read well. Definitely worth the read. Narrator did a good job as well.

Thought Provoking

This is a story that hooks and draws you in from the start with the idea of hearing someone's secrets. It's a love story, a reminder of our humanity and to not let a day go by without embracing the lives we are blessed with,and a reminder that we all can do something to make a lasting impact on our world. Even the smallest act of kindness, something as simple as listening can be a catalyst for change. The characters are palpable and genuine. Great narration.

Not for me!

The book is not the normal type of book that I read and thought I would give it a try because it sounded like a feel good book. Unfortunately I need drama and did not hold my attention after one or two stories on the bench.