What do you think?
Rate this book
The Listener: What if you could hear what God hears?
Something strange happened to Sam Bennett this morning.
One minute he was sleeping peacefully. Then he was having the strangest dream. And now-Sam is hearing things. Voices, from people all around him.
The waitress in the coffee shop. The elevator operator in Sam's office building. His wife, his secretary, even his pastor. Sam now has insight into people's hearts. He hears their deepest needs just by being near them.
But what can one listener do for a world of souls in need of help?
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2000
117 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Terri Blackstock
90 books5,500 followersTerri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
October 23, 2007
This book is wonderful! It is extremely convicting. I think every Christian should read this book.
April 17, 2013
This is a power packed little book. You can easily read it in one sitting, but don't rush it net it soak in because it contains a great message.
Read
May 2, 2012Foreword by Randy Alcorn
My friend Terri Blackstock has written a simple yet profound story with a vital message.
First, though, I want to say how I rejoice that The Listener’s royalties all go to a great cause, Samaritan’s Purse, an agency that gives people food, clothes, help, and the good news about Jesus Christ. You can read Terri’s heart by her choice to lay up her treasures in heaven, not on earth. She is living out the book’s vision by recognizing people’s deepest needs and reaching out to help them in the name of Jesus. May the rest of us do the same.
We are all made for a person and a place. Jesus is the person. Heaven is the place. As Christians our lives and our words should draw others to what they desperately need. As we see in The Listener, we must become more alert to the people around us, realizing the Jesus we have is the Jesus they need.
While reading this book, I thought about how God hears the heart cries of all people everywhere, every moment. Jesus went to the cross to deliver us from our suffering. His eternally scarred hands and feet proclaim how expensive and valuable His gift is. We must first come to grips with this, and only then will others see it through us.
Terri captures the fact that it isn’t just other people who are missing out on what we have to offer them. It’s we who are missing out on the joy of being used by God. We need to share Jesus as much as people need to hear about Him.
If your Christian life is boring, this book offers a cure. Disciples live on the edge, asking, “How can I serve you today, Lord? Who can I touch for you?” And at the end of the day they can pray, “Thanks for using me, Jesus.” They don’t think about the day’s sacrifices. They think about the sheer joy of being used by God to touch the lives of others—to meet their needs, love them and share the truth about Jesus through their actions and their words. When Jesus said “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” he wasn’t kidding!
As we see in The Listener, every day people with great needs pass beneath our radar. We need to change our radar setting and learn to see those people and their needs. Neighbors, co-workers, parents we sit by at our kids’ games, the mail carrier, bus driver, grocery checker, pizza guy, UPS delivery person...they all need Jesus. They need to hear us say, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (I have a friend who regularly says to telemarketers, “I will listen to what you have to say, if when you’re done you’ll listen to something very important I’d like to tell you.” They almost always agree, and he shares the gospel. Even annoying interruptions can be divine appointments!)
I pray that through reading Terri’s book, many will be inspired to listen to the cries—even the silent ones—of people all around us who need to know Jesus. And may we learn to treasure the privilege that’s ours to tell people about the one we love, because he first loved us.
My friend Terri Blackstock has written a simple yet profound story with a vital message.
First, though, I want to say how I rejoice that The Listener’s royalties all go to a great cause, Samaritan’s Purse, an agency that gives people food, clothes, help, and the good news about Jesus Christ. You can read Terri’s heart by her choice to lay up her treasures in heaven, not on earth. She is living out the book’s vision by recognizing people’s deepest needs and reaching out to help them in the name of Jesus. May the rest of us do the same.
We are all made for a person and a place. Jesus is the person. Heaven is the place. As Christians our lives and our words should draw others to what they desperately need. As we see in The Listener, we must become more alert to the people around us, realizing the Jesus we have is the Jesus they need.
While reading this book, I thought about how God hears the heart cries of all people everywhere, every moment. Jesus went to the cross to deliver us from our suffering. His eternally scarred hands and feet proclaim how expensive and valuable His gift is. We must first come to grips with this, and only then will others see it through us.
Terri captures the fact that it isn’t just other people who are missing out on what we have to offer them. It’s we who are missing out on the joy of being used by God. We need to share Jesus as much as people need to hear about Him.
If your Christian life is boring, this book offers a cure. Disciples live on the edge, asking, “How can I serve you today, Lord? Who can I touch for you?” And at the end of the day they can pray, “Thanks for using me, Jesus.” They don’t think about the day’s sacrifices. They think about the sheer joy of being used by God to touch the lives of others—to meet their needs, love them and share the truth about Jesus through their actions and their words. When Jesus said “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” he wasn’t kidding!
As we see in The Listener, every day people with great needs pass beneath our radar. We need to change our radar setting and learn to see those people and their needs. Neighbors, co-workers, parents we sit by at our kids’ games, the mail carrier, bus driver, grocery checker, pizza guy, UPS delivery person...they all need Jesus. They need to hear us say, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (I have a friend who regularly says to telemarketers, “I will listen to what you have to say, if when you’re done you’ll listen to something very important I’d like to tell you.” They almost always agree, and he shares the gospel. Even annoying interruptions can be divine appointments!)
I pray that through reading Terri’s book, many will be inspired to listen to the cries—even the silent ones—of people all around us who need to know Jesus. And may we learn to treasure the privilege that’s ours to tell people about the one we love, because he first loved us.
August 26, 2017
Definitely stirred my thinking great book
February 29, 2024
An excellent story and so inspiring.
July 9, 2019
Sam Bennett has a strange dream. Then he is hearing voices from people all around him. He now has insight into people's hearts.
What a challenging, great story. Fact is, every Christian can hear the spiritual needs of those around them. One must listen. It does take guts to step out and approach someone for Jesus.
Years ago, after exiting a bathroom I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. I turned around and stopped a guy from leaving. I told him he needed to ask Jesus in his heart right now. He started crying, then said, "My mom on her death bed told me that." I led him to Jesus that morning.
There have been other incidents throughout my life that are similar to those in this book. It's not far-fetched. It's the way God designed it. Pray and obey.
What a challenging, great story. Fact is, every Christian can hear the spiritual needs of those around them. One must listen. It does take guts to step out and approach someone for Jesus.
Years ago, after exiting a bathroom I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. I turned around and stopped a guy from leaving. I told him he needed to ask Jesus in his heart right now. He started crying, then said, "My mom on her death bed told me that." I led him to Jesus that morning.
There have been other incidents throughout my life that are similar to those in this book. It's not far-fetched. It's the way God designed it. Pray and obey.
April 1, 2009
This is a beautiful, beautiful book. I wish I could memorize it so that I could be prepared to minister to someone at a moments notice. Someone told me, "Be kinder than necessary because you don't know what struggles the other person is having to endure." That was good advice. I think reading this book helps me be "kinder than necessary..." unless you cross me that is! LOL!
November 21, 2023
You know…this was not at all what I was expecting. As far as entertainment, this wasn’t a crazy book, but this book was powerful. I was almost brought to tears by the power of the Gospel displayed in a story. I was convicted of the call I currently have and the hurt people around me. It was heart touching. This is not meant to be a fun read, but it is a read to open your eyes … and ears.
November 16, 2010
Read this for bookclub. Would not pick it up otherwise and was actually annoyed at the premise most of the time. Very proselytizing, which I guess is kinda the point. Would not read again, nor would I recommend it to anyone other than the most passionate Christian.
August 3, 2009
This is my favorite all time book.
June 7, 2025
Favourite Quote
“. . . it’s not about us. It’s about advancing God’s kingdom. We’re about advancing God’s kingdom. And if we aren’t acting like Christ, then we’re missing it. It’s like we’re children of the king, but we’re living in a dirt shack and eating pig food."
Overall Plot
A man who has lost his zeal and faith find himself with a gift after a dream in the night. Now with this gift, and the help of his pastor, he tries to save the souls of the people in his town. But with the worry fear of inadequacy, he fears he is the least qualified. Why would God give him a gift to someone who would waste it?
Overall REVIEW : What all Christians would want . . .
Terri Blackstock’s knows how to tell a good story. She really implodes on what many Christians which they could do, find and save souls. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear the voice of the people who are struggling. Wouldn’t it be easier to save souls. Blackstock tells us the tales of a man who holds this gift he finds, confusing, scary and powerful. She connects themes coming from each side; lukewarm Christian, strong christians and unbelievers, showing how people think and feel and try to navigate through their emotion and the trials they go through in life. As a negative, it lagged and dragged and at certain points really needed a plot twist to liven up the story.
“. . . it’s not about us. It’s about advancing God’s kingdom. We’re about advancing God’s kingdom. And if we aren’t acting like Christ, then we’re missing it. It’s like we’re children of the king, but we’re living in a dirt shack and eating pig food."
Overall Plot
A man who has lost his zeal and faith find himself with a gift after a dream in the night. Now with this gift, and the help of his pastor, he tries to save the souls of the people in his town. But with the worry fear of inadequacy, he fears he is the least qualified. Why would God give him a gift to someone who would waste it?
Overall REVIEW : What all Christians would want . . .
Terri Blackstock’s knows how to tell a good story. She really implodes on what many Christians which they could do, find and save souls. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear the voice of the people who are struggling. Wouldn’t it be easier to save souls. Blackstock tells us the tales of a man who holds this gift he finds, confusing, scary and powerful. She connects themes coming from each side; lukewarm Christian, strong christians and unbelievers, showing how people think and feel and try to navigate through their emotion and the trials they go through in life. As a negative, it lagged and dragged and at certain points really needed a plot twist to liven up the story.
April 13, 2025
Sam has a dream. When he wakes up, he goes about his day as normal. Except, when he gets to the diner where he always has breakfast, he is bombarded with the thoughts of everyone in the diner. Unable to take the noise, Sam decides to go visit his pastor and is saddened to hear the thoughts of his paster who is thinking of leaving the ministry because he doesn't feel he is truly reaching people. Finally able to convince his pastor that he is indeed hearing other peoples thoughts, Sam and his pastor set out to help those who are weary and tired. They work together to lift people up and introduce them to the Lord Jesus. A great story. I'm a little sad that Sam loses his gift; I felt this storyline could have lead to several more stories of Sam, his pastor, his wife, and his friend leading others to the Lord.
November 10, 2023
Not the best written book yet it makes its point well. This book was very challenging in many ways, as someone who really struggles with evangelicalism in the christian faith it was hard to follow the story of someone doing it so well and not to criticize him for it. Even though I could criticize the story itself I will choose to hold my tongue and look at the reason I have the inclination to criticize, maybe it is that the book has challenged me and I am too proud to admit I may be wrong about parts of life. I would recommend this book to be read with an uncritical view and to allow yourself to be challenged! Short, easy, simple, plainly written story of a man attempting to show the love of christ to others.
August 13, 2025
Sam Bennett starts to hear voices but no one around him is speaking. He discovers God is revealing the deep needs of the people around him. At first, Sam is resistance to responding to the people. He doesn't want to be rejected or thought crazy. With the help of his pastor, he begins talking to the people and discovers God is calling him to reach out to the lost and hurting. His job and his closest friendships are threatened, but he keeps going. His wife, Kate, joins him. They continue to bring people to Jesus. Miracles happen. Then elements within his church threaten him. He chooses to continue. Then the voices stop and Sam is lost. At the urging of his wife and pastor, he tentatively tries again. The results are miraculous.
September 18, 2019
OH my goodness did this story pack a punch or what! The Listener is nothing like anything I have ever read before. It was inspiring and convicting all at the same time. What if we could hear as God hears? What if we could hear the needs of others? What would you do if you were given that gift?
This book was very convicting on watching for others needs and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with them. Because the bottom line no matter what is that we all need Jesus. There is not another way to Heaven or abundant life without Jesus.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a quick and easy read and I promise you won't be disappointed!
This book was very convicting on watching for others needs and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with them. Because the bottom line no matter what is that we all need Jesus. There is not another way to Heaven or abundant life without Jesus.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a quick and easy read and I promise you won't be disappointed!
January 27, 2020
This book will open your eyes it did mine. You will see life in a different light. The heart reader will take hold of you from page one. This is not just a book Christian's need to read but everybody needs to. What if we could hear the needs of others like the holy spirit dose? That's the question asked from page one. It tells you most people don't know how to say what they truly need or even mean. I give this book five stars the renaming of this book is called the listener and the sequel is the heart reader of Franklin High these two books I like the read. Terri Blackstock has done her very best in writing this book.
October 5, 2019
This little book packs a lot of insight. It's built on an intriguing premise: what if you could hear people's deepest needs? When the main character wakes up with this ability one morning it changes everything about how he sees other people. I came away inspired and hungry to be bolder in sharing my faith and more compassionate to see what is really going on inside of people. How often is the confident exterior we see in them really masking fears and insecurities that Jesus would like to bring his truth and love to?
December 16, 2020
This book truly impacted and challenged me. So often we sit in our salvation, waiting till we die or Jesus comes back... but we’re called to so much more. We get to partner with the Lord, and have His heart if we ask for it. So let’s ask for it! Truly, what do we have to lose when the God of the universe is on our side.
A short intense read. Though I believe there is much more to building the Kingdom than conversions, I believe that it is essential that we are sharing the gospel - our HOPE. It isn’t optional.
Recommend for any believer that yearns for more of their walk with the Lord.
A short intense read. Though I believe there is much more to building the Kingdom than conversions, I believe that it is essential that we are sharing the gospel - our HOPE. It isn’t optional.
Recommend for any believer that yearns for more of their walk with the Lord.
September 6, 2020
A very short and compelling book that tells a good story about the life-changing role of accepting Jesus Christ into one's life and the power of growing the Kingdom of God.
I would recommend this book for the very religious or devout people, or maybe even those who have lost touch with their faith along the way and have been finding a way to get back on track. But this book is really a hit or miss for some people and it could be interpreted differently.
I would recommend this book for the very religious or devout people, or maybe even those who have lost touch with their faith along the way and have been finding a way to get back on track. But this book is really a hit or miss for some people and it could be interpreted differently.
June 24, 2025
There isn’t a soul out there who doesn’t have a spiritual need, we just have to look for them…
“…they need to know that they’re loved, that’s there’s hope, that there’s healing, that someone’s in control, that they’re not a product of their past, that they can be forgiven, that they can be useful, that they are made in the image of God”
(Chapter 16, pg 132)
We all have the same need, that need is Jesus Christ!!
“…they need to know that they’re loved, that’s there’s hope, that there’s healing, that someone’s in control, that they’re not a product of their past, that they can be forgiven, that they can be useful, that they are made in the image of God”
(Chapter 16, pg 132)
We all have the same need, that need is Jesus Christ!!
October 25, 2025
Excellent!
Nitpick: I dislike how he shared his dream with his wife and she shared several of hers with him, and he responded: "Kate, have you thought of getting psychiatric help?"
What a jerk! Thankfully, she sassed back:
"Hey, you're the one who couldn't sleep last night. I slept like a baby."
Aside from that, excellent!
Nitpick: I dislike how he shared his dream with his wife and she shared several of hers with him, and he responded: "Kate, have you thought of getting psychiatric help?"
What a jerk! Thankfully, she sassed back:
"Hey, you're the one who couldn't sleep last night. I slept like a baby."
Aside from that, excellent!
July 17, 2020
This is the story of a man who God gives the gift to hear what other people's souls are saying/feeling. He is able to share Jesus Christ with them and show others how to be a witness. Find out he deals with the loss of this gift.
January 17, 2021
Very convicting, thought provoking. Directly hits home as to why we ,as Christians, allow ourselves to be intimidated or lulled into apathy when it comes to sharing the answer to every person’s deepest need. Jesus.
July 15, 2022
This is absolutely one of my favorite books and a must read for all Christians. The message is eye-opening. As followers of Christ, we are to share the Gospel. This book inspires self-examination and leaves the reader with a new determination to spread the Good News!
May 10, 2025
Wow...
If you have taken all the courses and read all the books but still lack the confidence to share Christ with others, then you should most definitely put this little book on your TBR list. It will totally change the way you think about it. Terri Blackstock has done it again!
If you have taken all the courses and read all the books but still lack the confidence to share Christ with others, then you should most definitely put this little book on your TBR list. It will totally change the way you think about it. Terri Blackstock has done it again!
June 7, 2018
Such a powerful message. So convicting.
July 1, 2019
This book gave me chills. Just reading how people were lead to Christ brought tears to my eyes. It made me think of how I can do the same. I just need to listen.
May 15, 2020
Not as good as most Terri Blackstock books I’ve read. The whole idea in the book of how you approach evangelism bothered me.
June 25, 2020
Really had me thinking
I wonder if I could do what the guy did in leading people to christ. It was a great book
I wonder if I could do what the guy did in leading people to christ. It was a great book
January 1, 2021
This was a good quick read with an interesting premise. It challenge me to think about how well I really share my faith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews