No Ordinary Lives: One Man's Surprising Journey into the Heart of America

by David R. Johnson

Collects the stories of Americans who were profiled in the author's "Everybody Has a Story" column, tracing his two decades of encounters with more than eight hundred individuals, many of whose perspectives changed his life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir

241 pages, Hardcover

First published July 9, 2002

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a decent idea but it just never caught me up. He just didn't have much to say. That's what I get for grabbing books quick to not make a scene in the library with two ready-to-go kids. :) I guess what I took from the book, something he never really even alluded to except in the title, is that not one of us is ordinary. We all lead extrordinary lives if just prompted to tell about them. He talked a lot of sickness and death and the resilience of many he encountered on journalistic treks around Idaho/Washington but he had little feeling in his writing so it didn't quite pan out.

[Kjersti · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I picked up this book I thought it would be a collection of Johnson’s articles and was really looking forward to reading the interviews of regular people from Johnson’s weekly column “Everyone Has a Story”. Turns out, it was Johnson’s memoir with a few snippets of people’s stories from his articles positioned throughout the book to make Johnson look like a hero. I generally love biographies and memoirs but this one was over the top, cheesy, and self-important.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blech. 1 of a few I didn't finish. This book is under the pretense that it's about a man traveling across the USA & writing about the people he meets. Sounds very interesting, right? Well, that is until he starts getting into his own relationship with a woman he just met. ACK!
I didn't buy that book to read about HIM. I wanted to read about THEM. The ordinary Americans!!

Toss it.

[Ivah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had expected to be reading more about the people that Johnson interviewed.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book by a newspaper journalist who wrote a column about everyday people. He found the people by calling them up after randomly choosing their number from the phone book. The book is not a collection of these columns rather he summarizes them and relates the stories to his own life. The book has a pleasant old fashioned feel to it.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of David Johnson before this book or his column in the newspaper. I found the stories very "normal". I could see myself in many of the people he interviewed. The more intriguing story to me was his family. His wife is amazing. I would love an update on her health. What a life she has lived. The last chapter was gut wrenching to read.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right down my alley. I love to read about normal people and their average lives, but yet no one has an average life. Nice to read how everyone has money problems. This book is about all walks of life, including the author's own family. That was very interesting.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intersting glimpse into a man's life in rural Idaho. Meet many people through the phone book method he uses to report on everyday life.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of story - a story about stories. They are ordinary and extraordinary all at once.

[Tebel Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book would have been a lot better if author had not insinuated himself and his doings into every story. This is more about him and his "extraordinary" life than it is about anyone else.

[Karen Germain · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Johnson writes for a small newspaper in Washington and he has an interesting concept for his column. Johnson randomly picks people out of a phone book and then interviews them. He is interested in meeting ordinary people and hearing their personal stories.

Each chapter in the book is on a different topic and Johnson splices the people that he interviews, with anecdotes on his own life. His family is well integrated into his book and as interesting as the people that he meets in the phone book. In fact, he met his wife by interviewing her for his column.

The book started somewhat slow, with a smattering of stories that peaked my interest. The chapter that really got to me was titled "Resilience." This chapter focused on death, spirituality and illness. I am dealing with a mother who is very ill and this chapter made me very emotional. I also liked the chapter on "working."

Overall, I liked the concept for this book and definitely found it to be a very worthwhile read.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that strives to reveal the extraordinary in what may seem ordinary. Interesting stories about regular people with ordinary lives: how they overcome obstacles, appreciate their loved ones and their occupations, and are just thankful for what they have. The interspersing of the author's personal story can sometimes take away from or slow the momentum of the book. But, by the end the reader is more invested and it seems to flesh out and reinforce the theme.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Johnson makes the reader remember why life is good-its the small things like a quiet smile, and a quick hug. This book made me feel good. I enjoyed hearing about his life and what he learned from the people who he interviewed. Thanks, David Johnson for loving life for the small things and for bringing them to our attention.

[Priscilla]

I picked this up at a yard sale- can't wait to read it. Sounds interesting!

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reporter picks names out of phone book at random
to learn their stories

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, Insightful & Brilliant!