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All There Is: Love Stories from StoryCorps
In ALL THERE IS, StoryCorps founder Dave Isay shares stories of love and marriage from the revolutionary oral history project, revealing the many and remarkable journeys that relationships can take.
In stories that carry us from the excitement and anticipation of courtship to the deep connection of lifelong commitment, we discover that love is found in the most unexpected of places—a New York tollbooth, a military base in Iraq, an airport lounge—and learn that the course it takes is as unpredictable as life itself. As the storytellers in this book start careers, build homes, and raise families, we witness the life-affirming joy of partnership, the comfort of shared sorrows, and profound gratitude in the face of loss.
These stories are also testament to the heart’s remarkable endurance. In ALL THERE IS we encounter love that survives discrimination, illness, poverty, distance—even death. In the courage of people’s passion we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. This powerful collection bares witness to real love, in its many varied forms, enriching our understanding of that most magical feeling.
In stories that carry us from the excitement and anticipation of courtship to the deep connection of lifelong commitment, we discover that love is found in the most unexpected of places—a New York tollbooth, a military base in Iraq, an airport lounge—and learn that the course it takes is as unpredictable as life itself. As the storytellers in this book start careers, build homes, and raise families, we witness the life-affirming joy of partnership, the comfort of shared sorrows, and profound gratitude in the face of loss.
These stories are also testament to the heart’s remarkable endurance. In ALL THERE IS we encounter love that survives discrimination, illness, poverty, distance—even death. In the courage of people’s passion we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. This powerful collection bares witness to real love, in its many varied forms, enriching our understanding of that most magical feeling.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2012
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4328 people want to read
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December 1, 2018
These stories of love found, love lost, and love regained will make you smile at times, and make you teary-eyed at others. The connections and commitments will touch your heart and renew your hope in the enduring power of love.
February 11, 2018
”What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in and you kicking me out
You got my head spinning, no kidding, I can pin you down
What’s going on in that beautiful mind?
I’m on your magical mystery ride
And I’m so dizzy, don’t know what hit me, but I’ll be all right.
“My head’s under water but I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy, and I’m out of my mind
“Cause all of me loves all of you
Loves all your curves and edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me, I’ll give my all to you
You’re my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I’m winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you”
-- All of Me, John Legend Songwriters –John Legend & Toby Gad
The year before last, I read Dave Isay’s ‘Callings: A Celebration of Lives and Purposes and Passion’, and shortly thereafter ’Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project.’ Both are filled with wonderful, heartwarming, and sometimes heartbreaking stories told by people who want to share their story for various reasons, but most often, probably, to have a copy to share with their children or their grandchildren, great-children, a chance for those not alive in their lifetime to listen to them tell their story and get to know these people who make up their family.
If you’re not familiar with StoryCorps, they began by opening a booth in Grand Central Terminal in 2003, each interview session is 40 minutes long. At the end, you receive a CD of your interview, and a copy is sent to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress – with your permission.
”Many people think of their interview sessions as: If I had only forty minutes left with this person, what would I want to ask?”
With Valentine’s Day somewhat rapidly approaching and hearts and cupids adorning stores, and emails reminding you of how many days you have to shop for yet another holiday, I wanted to read another book on Love, but not necessarily romantic love, and certainly not solely about romantic love.
So, of course, this book is solely focused on romantic love, but while some of these stories include a peek at their beginnings, those early butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling, there is much more about the enduring nature of their love, what they’ve been through, endured.
Falling in love. Remembering a loved one. Finding love again, or perhaps for the first time, past the point of believing it possible. Those are the general categories these love stories fall into.
Some are sweet stories. Some are funny. Some are born of the times - one that begins with a blind group date of 3 young women and 3 young men, and the following comment when she first sees the young men ”’Look at the hick with no tie; I’ll bet I get stuck with him.’” One solo date later, another one to meet his parents, and then one more to meet hers. A week later, they were married at his parents’ home, a home filled with close to 1,000 gladiolas that his mother had cut from her garden. And their honeymoon? Funny, sweet, but mostly amazing what a memorable honeymoon you could have for the money he had in his pocket.
Another story shared of a man remembering his wife, the sign they saw that gave them the ingredients of a happy marriage, and it’s so clear how well he loved her for the ”fifty-three years, two months and five days” that they were married.
”One thing: If they ever let me in those pearly gates, I’m going to walk all over God’s heaven until I find that girl. And the first thing I’m going to do is ask her if she would marry me and do it all over again.”
For some of these, not all, there is a photograph of the person, people, telling their story, which I found to be a nice touch. In some cases it’s a husband and wife, in some it is a widow, in some it is a parent, or grandparent with an adult child.
These aren’t all happy stories, some include the passing of a loved one, but it’s very well balanced. There’s one or two where I couldn’t hold back the tears, and some that made me smile, like the one man who was married in one of the first gay marriages in Massachusetts, once it was legalized.
Out of these stories, all of these, there is one that stood out for me, a woman sharing the story of the last hours with her husband, and who, at the end of her story, said that her last memory of her husband was ”…most of all, about love.” It’s a lovely, if heartbreaking story, both their story and hers, individually, and his, as well.
As my oldest son says: The StoryCorps Project is an American Treasure. These stories are, as well.
Drawing me in and you kicking me out
You got my head spinning, no kidding, I can pin you down
What’s going on in that beautiful mind?
I’m on your magical mystery ride
And I’m so dizzy, don’t know what hit me, but I’ll be all right.
“My head’s under water but I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy, and I’m out of my mind
“Cause all of me loves all of you
Loves all your curves and edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me, I’ll give my all to you
You’re my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I’m winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you”
-- All of Me, John Legend Songwriters –John Legend & Toby Gad
The year before last, I read Dave Isay’s ‘Callings: A Celebration of Lives and Purposes and Passion’, and shortly thereafter ’Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project.’ Both are filled with wonderful, heartwarming, and sometimes heartbreaking stories told by people who want to share their story for various reasons, but most often, probably, to have a copy to share with their children or their grandchildren, great-children, a chance for those not alive in their lifetime to listen to them tell their story and get to know these people who make up their family.
If you’re not familiar with StoryCorps, they began by opening a booth in Grand Central Terminal in 2003, each interview session is 40 minutes long. At the end, you receive a CD of your interview, and a copy is sent to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress – with your permission.
”Many people think of their interview sessions as: If I had only forty minutes left with this person, what would I want to ask?”
With Valentine’s Day somewhat rapidly approaching and hearts and cupids adorning stores, and emails reminding you of how many days you have to shop for yet another holiday, I wanted to read another book on Love, but not necessarily romantic love, and certainly not solely about romantic love.
So, of course, this book is solely focused on romantic love, but while some of these stories include a peek at their beginnings, those early butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling, there is much more about the enduring nature of their love, what they’ve been through, endured.
Falling in love. Remembering a loved one. Finding love again, or perhaps for the first time, past the point of believing it possible. Those are the general categories these love stories fall into.
Some are sweet stories. Some are funny. Some are born of the times - one that begins with a blind group date of 3 young women and 3 young men, and the following comment when she first sees the young men ”’Look at the hick with no tie; I’ll bet I get stuck with him.’” One solo date later, another one to meet his parents, and then one more to meet hers. A week later, they were married at his parents’ home, a home filled with close to 1,000 gladiolas that his mother had cut from her garden. And their honeymoon? Funny, sweet, but mostly amazing what a memorable honeymoon you could have for the money he had in his pocket.
Another story shared of a man remembering his wife, the sign they saw that gave them the ingredients of a happy marriage, and it’s so clear how well he loved her for the ”fifty-three years, two months and five days” that they were married.
”One thing: If they ever let me in those pearly gates, I’m going to walk all over God’s heaven until I find that girl. And the first thing I’m going to do is ask her if she would marry me and do it all over again.”
For some of these, not all, there is a photograph of the person, people, telling their story, which I found to be a nice touch. In some cases it’s a husband and wife, in some it is a widow, in some it is a parent, or grandparent with an adult child.
These aren’t all happy stories, some include the passing of a loved one, but it’s very well balanced. There’s one or two where I couldn’t hold back the tears, and some that made me smile, like the one man who was married in one of the first gay marriages in Massachusetts, once it was legalized.
Out of these stories, all of these, there is one that stood out for me, a woman sharing the story of the last hours with her husband, and who, at the end of her story, said that her last memory of her husband was ”…most of all, about love.” It’s a lovely, if heartbreaking story, both their story and hers, individually, and his, as well.
As my oldest son says: The StoryCorps Project is an American Treasure. These stories are, as well.
February 3, 2012
I've been on a streak of really great books lately - and this is definitely one of them. It's a collection of StoryCorps stories relating to love in three parts: love found, love lost, and love regained. If you aren't familiar with StoryCorps, it's a nationwide movement to record the stories of everyday people. If StoryCorps is in your town, you make an appointment and bring someone with you and ask them to tell you their story. The stories are recorded and you get a copy and a copy goes to StoryCorps. These stories were all collected as a part of the program and relate to love.
Writing
StoryCorps did a great job with the transcripts of these conversations. They are "written" because they're transcribed from verbal interviews, but the editing StoryCorps and Dave Isay have done is amazing. While they are appropriate for the written word and read well (StoryCorps has removed the "um"s and "so"s and those kind of fillers), they also retain that oral-tradition feel. You can really tell that you're reading a story that was told out loud, which is exactly what StoryCorps wants.
Entertainment Value
This is one of the happiest books I've read in a long time. Even the stories in the "Lost" section are beautiful in an uplifting way. The teller may have lost his or her love but the story celebrates the time they had together. I cannot begin to say how sweet the stories are. Some are truly amazing - like a couple who had the same initials and met when one got an email intended for the other. Even though they lived on opposite sides of the world, a correspondence began that led them to love. And that's just one story. It's not a terribly long book, and it's great for reading a little at a time, especially if you need a small pick me up fix.
Overall
You must read this book. It's for everyone - there's no one who I wouldn't recommend it to. It's an easy read and the subject matter is all uplifting. It's not just a light, fluff book though, there are some very deep messages to be gleaned from the stories. I also must point out the cover. You can't see it very well in this picture, but it is adorable. They look like polka dots on the pictures, but those colorful objects are actually little tiny embossed hearts. I've got this one prominently displayed on my shelves because it's just so cute.
Writing
StoryCorps did a great job with the transcripts of these conversations. They are "written" because they're transcribed from verbal interviews, but the editing StoryCorps and Dave Isay have done is amazing. While they are appropriate for the written word and read well (StoryCorps has removed the "um"s and "so"s and those kind of fillers), they also retain that oral-tradition feel. You can really tell that you're reading a story that was told out loud, which is exactly what StoryCorps wants.
Entertainment Value
This is one of the happiest books I've read in a long time. Even the stories in the "Lost" section are beautiful in an uplifting way. The teller may have lost his or her love but the story celebrates the time they had together. I cannot begin to say how sweet the stories are. Some are truly amazing - like a couple who had the same initials and met when one got an email intended for the other. Even though they lived on opposite sides of the world, a correspondence began that led them to love. And that's just one story. It's not a terribly long book, and it's great for reading a little at a time, especially if you need a small pick me up fix.
Overall
You must read this book. It's for everyone - there's no one who I wouldn't recommend it to. It's an easy read and the subject matter is all uplifting. It's not just a light, fluff book though, there are some very deep messages to be gleaned from the stories. I also must point out the cover. You can't see it very well in this picture, but it is adorable. They look like polka dots on the pictures, but those colorful objects are actually little tiny embossed hearts. I've got this one prominently displayed on my shelves because it's just so cute.
February 16, 2012
You know how most people, when you ask them to tell you something interesting about themselves, they say, "Oh, I don't know. I'm pretty boring, I guess." Well, it's true, in the way that the human experience is oftentimes ordinary and predictable and a bit the same for everyone.
But then, when they break down and start to tell you their stories, it's just comforting, how similar they are to your own, and yet how all of the details are different and how those details make you you and them them.
That is Storycorps for me.
(Side note: The 9/11 story broke me.)
Favorite Quotes
And it feels good to feel young with you, and at the same time to grow old with you. And it's all those things together at the same moment.
People talk about closure. There is no closure when you lose a loved one. I don't care how you lost them, your heart is always open.
You're not a fantastic dancer, but you hold me fantastically, and I feel it. It's genuine.
I've not become Elliot. Elliot has not become Hunny. We remain Hunny and Elliot. And to me, that's important.
[Y]ou are the way you wrote yourself to be.
...we yell at each other. But when push comes to shove, we let it go, and we're back to our normal selves, because being unhappy is part of being happy. ...When two people get married, they say two people become one. No, I don't agree. Two people should remain two people but walk side by side.
"Edna St. Vincent Millay wrote something that affected me. It says, 'Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling into at night. I miss you like hell.'"
But then, when they break down and start to tell you their stories, it's just comforting, how similar they are to your own, and yet how all of the details are different and how those details make you you and them them.
That is Storycorps for me.
(Side note: The 9/11 story broke me.)
Favorite Quotes
And it feels good to feel young with you, and at the same time to grow old with you. And it's all those things together at the same moment.
People talk about closure. There is no closure when you lose a loved one. I don't care how you lost them, your heart is always open.
You're not a fantastic dancer, but you hold me fantastically, and I feel it. It's genuine.
I've not become Elliot. Elliot has not become Hunny. We remain Hunny and Elliot. And to me, that's important.
[Y]ou are the way you wrote yourself to be.
...we yell at each other. But when push comes to shove, we let it go, and we're back to our normal selves, because being unhappy is part of being happy. ...When two people get married, they say two people become one. No, I don't agree. Two people should remain two people but walk side by side.
"Edna St. Vincent Millay wrote something that affected me. It says, 'Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling into at night. I miss you like hell.'"
May 1, 2012
My favorite part of When Harry met Sally (besides THE CAFE scene) is when there are the couples sitting on the couch telling their "how we met" stories.
This book of such stories. Heartbreaking, beautiful, honest and romantic. A perfect little book.
One of my favorite questions to ask people besides 'what is your passion' is how did you meet your love? You can tell a lot about a couple by how they recall their love story. Some people give very short factual "we met in highschool and got married 3 years later" others are more flowery "And when I saw her, I knew in my heart I could not let her leave without knowing my hearts intentions"
All stories though touch a soft place in my heart I mean I dare you to read this exert from the book and not cry.
"It lasted 53 years, 2 months and 5 days. It's been rough but every morning when I wake up she's included in my prayers, and I talk to her every night when I go to bed. She was something. One thing: If they ever let me in those pearly gates, I'm going to walk all over God's heaven until I find that girl. And the first thing I'm going to do is ask her if she would marry me, and do it all over again."
This book of such stories. Heartbreaking, beautiful, honest and romantic. A perfect little book.
One of my favorite questions to ask people besides 'what is your passion' is how did you meet your love? You can tell a lot about a couple by how they recall their love story. Some people give very short factual "we met in highschool and got married 3 years later" others are more flowery "And when I saw her, I knew in my heart I could not let her leave without knowing my hearts intentions"
All stories though touch a soft place in my heart I mean I dare you to read this exert from the book and not cry.
"It lasted 53 years, 2 months and 5 days. It's been rough but every morning when I wake up she's included in my prayers, and I talk to her every night when I go to bed. She was something. One thing: If they ever let me in those pearly gates, I'm going to walk all over God's heaven until I find that girl. And the first thing I'm going to do is ask her if she would marry me, and do it all over again."
May 29, 2012
I'll remind you that two stars means that "it was OK." There is something a little bit interesting about each of the stories in this little book: how a couple met, how one of the partners died (in one episode she is at home talking to him while he is on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center knowing he is going to die), etc. But in general, it was just a tad better than reading the obituaries on Sunday. I do like what Storycorps is doing and I think it has a place. But it wasn't like reading great fiction. Great fiction takes these little actual stories and embellishes them into something more exciting than real life.
April 26, 2016
This is a 3 overall, mostly because it's just little vignettes and I'm more of a novel gal. But some stories are definitely 5s. Several made me cry, in just a few pages. One made me cry in one paragraph.
Totally touching, though, and gives some faith to those of us who haven't had such long-term luck in love!
Totally touching, though, and gives some faith to those of us who haven't had such long-term luck in love!
May 20, 2020
I am a great admirer of the work of Storycorps - collecting and preserving the stories of everyday Americans. This collection of love stories of everyday people from around the country was just the heartwarming read I was in the mood for.
June 19, 2012
My favorite part of this book - and anytime I read StoryCorps interviews - is seeing if the picture of the storytellers I've painted in my head matches the image at the end of the interview. Oftentimes, it's completely off, which acts as a great reminder not to judge a book by its cover - and that everyone has a story.
This collection of interviews surrounding the theme of love gives you hope that there's still magic in the universe.
This collection of interviews surrounding the theme of love gives you hope that there's still magic in the universe.
March 5, 2012
I should have known better after listening to "Listening is an Act of Love" on audiobook that this one would move me to tears on the highway as well! What a great collection of StoryCorps stories highlighting the lows and heights of love, both current and lost. Highly recommended.
And I apologize to everyone else heading eastbound on I-70 heading toward Zanesville two weeks ago!
And I apologize to everyone else heading eastbound on I-70 heading toward Zanesville two weeks ago!
February 15, 2012
Beautiful, powerful snipets into others love stories. I cried, I laughed but mostly smiled.
May 15, 2012
Very sweet and touching stories. Quick read!
September 27, 2012
Very short, but interesting stories. I listened to this book - enjoyed it very much.
February 8, 2013
Audiobook Warning: listening while driving - use caution. Tears get in the way.
December 4, 2013
Love love love love. Super quick, feel good read. I can never get enough of story corps, and I loved being able to be a sappy girl and fawn over these love stories!
September 21, 2015
This is so heartwarming--if you are like me, and look forward to Friday mornings on NPR just so you can hear these wonderful interviews with family/friends--this is for you.
November 7, 2019
A very sweet book of love stories including stories of loved ones lost. I did not expect love stories related to 9/11 and those nearly made me cry.
February 8, 2012
Original review posted on Layers of Thought. I give this book a 4.5 stars.
Do you want to read about real love? This is it, a special and endearing non fiction book which contains snippets of “real” lover’s conversations. A slim little book, it transcends gender, religion, and more… It will make you smile, giggle and shed bittersweet tears.
All There Is is a heart warming and heart breaking true story collection, containing transcriptions of many short conversations about couples’ love for each other – each typically two-three pages long. The conversations are with one another, or with friends or family members. Each person shares how they met, and perhaps lost, the most significant romantic partners of their lives.
For over a decade David Isay and Storycorps have made it a point to record stories for archival and historical purposes. He has two previous books and all are from audio format transcribed into books. Here is a bit about their mission quoted from All There Is:
I just love stuff like this, and as it’s partially funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which gives the book its particular flavor - one which is wonderful and grounding. I read stories about partners with Alzheimer's, AIDs, a variety of religious backgrounds, mixed races, and same genders. Each of the stories attest to the ideal that love transcends so much.
It is a book to pick up when one has just a few moments since each story will only take minutes to read. I recommend it for anyone needing a boost in remembering that true love does exist. It’s sweet, sometimes silly, and often heartbreaking. I adored this book even though I am not a big romance fan. It’s a 4.5 star in my opinion with its profusion of little colored hearts on the cover. Guaranteed to make even the most cynical reader cry. It did me.
Do you want to read about real love? This is it, a special and endearing non fiction book which contains snippets of “real” lover’s conversations. A slim little book, it transcends gender, religion, and more… It will make you smile, giggle and shed bittersweet tears.
All There Is is a heart warming and heart breaking true story collection, containing transcriptions of many short conversations about couples’ love for each other – each typically two-three pages long. The conversations are with one another, or with friends or family members. Each person shares how they met, and perhaps lost, the most significant romantic partners of their lives.
For over a decade David Isay and Storycorps have made it a point to record stories for archival and historical purposes. He has two previous books and all are from audio format transcribed into books. Here is a bit about their mission quoted from All There Is:
Storycorps’ mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. With a relentless focus on recording the stories of people who are often excluded from the historical record, Storycorps captures lives that would otherwise be lost to history and reminds the nation that every story matters and every voice counts. (pp. 155)
I just love stuff like this, and as it’s partially funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which gives the book its particular flavor - one which is wonderful and grounding. I read stories about partners with Alzheimer's, AIDs, a variety of religious backgrounds, mixed races, and same genders. Each of the stories attest to the ideal that love transcends so much.
It is a book to pick up when one has just a few moments since each story will only take minutes to read. I recommend it for anyone needing a boost in remembering that true love does exist. It’s sweet, sometimes silly, and often heartbreaking. I adored this book even though I am not a big romance fan. It’s a 4.5 star in my opinion with its profusion of little colored hearts on the cover. Guaranteed to make even the most cynical reader cry. It did me.
January 20, 2012
I love the concept of this book! It's a company that sets up shop and ordinary people go into a booth where with another person and a moderator. They interview one another or just tell their story. A prompt might be: If you have only 45 minutes to live, what legacy would you leave? They tell their stories of love, loss, heartbreak, and happiness. The stories run the gamut of love; from young marriages, to people in their 90's, those who survived WWII, gay couples, those who lost loved ones during the 9/11 attacks, lost then found loves.
The most moving were the stories of 9/11 and those that have lasted through decades of ups and downs. The book is organized in three parts. Nearly every story brought an emotional response. Mostly, I felt the hope.
The most moving were the stories of 9/11 and those that have lasted through decades of ups and downs. The book is organized in three parts. Nearly every story brought an emotional response. Mostly, I felt the hope.
June 4, 2013
Oh my goodness, tears! I made the mistake of trying to read some of this in public and then had to sniffle like maybe it was just my allergies and not a 90 year old man talking about how much he loved his late wife. I just wish there were more stories.
June 17, 2012
How can you not love a book about love? This one will make you smile, make you cry, and will remind you what's important in this life.
July 28, 2012
This is a collection of love stories from NPR's StoryCorps project. Some made me laugh, and others made me cry. A sweet little collection!
September 14, 2012
Wonderful stories, both uplifting and heartbreaking, from everyday folks. I laughed and wept in equal measure.
March 31, 2016
The best stories are always the stories of everyday people. I laughed and I cried and it made me appreciate my love.
January 20, 2017
Love
So good, made me laugh and cry, all about the many kinds of love. I highly recommend this book to all.
So good, made me laugh and cry, all about the many kinds of love. I highly recommend this book to all.
February 4, 2025
This was an incredibly fast "read." I listened to the audiobook (not even an hour long), and listened to 15 minutes one day, and the rest today. I love the idea of Storycorps and what it is, and it was cool hearing the love stories of real people from all walks of life. Each story is just a few minutes long—a snippet, really—which keeps the listening interesting. There is no time to get bored. But on the other hand, I often found myself curious about the rest of their stories and what else they had to say outside of those few minutes, so sometimes they were over too quickly and felt too short to really be engaging. The stories ranged from cute to sad to happy, and some were very touching. The end of the audiobook made it sound a little bit like the book includes more stories in it? But I couldn't find any information on that when I searched, so I may need to just check out the physical book to check. Overall, I liked it, but it also wasn't mind-blowing.
June 11, 2018
I purchased All There Is looking to see if it had a potential prose piece in it for one of my students to read in competition (which it did!). So, even though I have enjoyed Storycorps in the past, I didn’t buy this book expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. It’s fantastic, though.
Basically, All There Is is a collection of the best love stories collected by Storycorps--which is an oral storytelling project in which two people go into a recording booth and tell stories about their lives. The stories are collected in three sections: Found, Lost, and Found At Last.
There is such a diversity of stories and people in the book, and the stories are all quickly and crisply told. The thing that makes these stories stand out, though, is just their intimacy. I read somewhere that when people sit down for a 45-minute Storycorps interview, it often ends up being one of the most emotionally intense moments of their lives, and that’s because these stories are often about the moments that people don’t talk about, or they prompt the participants to say the vulnerable things that they don’t often verbalize to one another. That vulnerability and sincerity comes through in all of these stories, and altogether, it’s tremendously affecting to read.
Basically, All There Is is a collection of the best love stories collected by Storycorps--which is an oral storytelling project in which two people go into a recording booth and tell stories about their lives. The stories are collected in three sections: Found, Lost, and Found At Last.
There is such a diversity of stories and people in the book, and the stories are all quickly and crisply told. The thing that makes these stories stand out, though, is just their intimacy. I read somewhere that when people sit down for a 45-minute Storycorps interview, it often ends up being one of the most emotionally intense moments of their lives, and that’s because these stories are often about the moments that people don’t talk about, or they prompt the participants to say the vulnerable things that they don’t often verbalize to one another. That vulnerability and sincerity comes through in all of these stories, and altogether, it’s tremendously affecting to read.
August 19, 2020
Picked this up as a quick read to kill time, intrigued by the feel-good intent behind this project by StoryCorps. An audio collection of anecdotes/stories by couples and families. Wouldn't say that it was remarkable but the intent is indeed very commendable. Kind of like the 'Chicken Soup' series. It puts a smile on your face.
You can find more about the project @ https://storycorps.org/
You can find more about the project @ https://storycorps.org/
March 11, 2018
Lovely, lovely real stories of people in love.
April 6, 2020
there were a lot of short stories in this book, and a few of them were unique and interesting and might stick with me but the majority of them were just okay and even a little boring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews