Hear's the Thing: Lessons on Listening, Life, and Love

by Cody Alan

We live in a world of noise where everyone is so quick to speak. When we slow down and give someone our full attention, we offer them a safe place to be fully heard and accepted. Hear’s the Thing is a story about what is possible when someone is brave enough to listen to others… and, ultimately, themselves without judgement. For Cody Alan, one of country music’s most famous on-air radio and TV personalities, listening to other people has always been a crucial part of his role. It was by fostering his ability to hear others that he discovered the person he most needed to listen to was himself. Listening ultimately led him on a journey of self-discovery where he found the courage to come out as gay, the openness to question spiritually, and the strength to explore a new definition of parenting and family. In his debut memoir, Hear’s the Thing , Cody shares some of the many lessons he’s learned along the way such The art of listening is often lost but Cody’s story will inspire you to hear that inner voice that is leading you to a deeper connection with yourself and the people around you.

Genres: Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2021

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cody Alan is a charming and likable tv/radio host so it's not at all surprising that these same qualities shine through in his book, Hear's the Thing. This book shares his journey on a personal and professional level. I admit that I was far more interested in reading about his acceptance of his sexuality after having a wife and kids and its impact on his career than I was in reading about this or that country music star is so humble.

His career rise from an intern at a local radio station to CMT host was interesting. But his descriptions of his interview style got pretty redundant after a while and all of the anecdotes about how nice and humble every artist is was not particularly entertaining

Alan's discussion of being closeted as teenager and then choosing to turn to Mormonism was fascinating as was eventual journey out of the religion later in life when he came out. But I wish there had been a little more introspection on his part about the damage the messages from organized religion can do to LGBT people.

At different times in the book we hear from the people most important to Alan, including his ex-wife, his children and his male partner. I initially feared this would come across as gimmicky but it was one of the most moving parts of the story. Alan and his ex-wife, their respective partners, and their kids have formed a beautiful modern family and reading about how they all reached that point was quite touching.

This is a quick and enjoyable read that I just wish had been a little more introspective at times about the issues Alan went through to become the proud and openly gay man he is today in an industry not usually known for being inclusive or progressive.

Thanks you to NetGalley for the digital arc of this book.

[Ela The Queer Bookish · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hahaha. No. Just no.

I really dreaded writing this review as much as I was actually looking forward to reading Cody Alan’s book. I feel like I should stress at this point that I didn’t know of him before picking up his book. And after forcing myself to finish it I can safely I would have been better off not requesting it at all.

For a hot minute I was tempted to simply quote my notes and leave it at that. To be honest I’m still tempted to do just that but I’ll try to write an actual text.

This book left me feeling dirty and going through my notes now and reading which parts I “highlighted” that feeling is back. I don’t even know where to start.

Like, do I start with that disgusting focus in women being feminine and how that helps feeling like a “manly man” (kindle pos. 1024).

The cheating?

How being gay means that you’re obsessed with your clothing?

Not acknowledging how being rich and priviledged gives you a better chance at fucking surviving the pandemic? Feeling “awkward” about having to wear a face mask?

Being critical about the Black Lives Matter movement? “How can I push for BLM if I treat a certain group of peple differently?” (kindle pos. 2437)

And last but not least, it felt like he pushes his Mormon belief unto his readers nevermind how it’s not allowed to actually live as a queer person. Now and then I read a story about people who were raised Mormon and how their lives were, how difficult leaving that faith it, how their dealing with the consequences.

And honestly, it made me relive losing my best friend to a cult and how she tried to force me down that shithole with her. Not fun.

I wasn’t expecting to be “inspired” by Hear’s the Thing but I actually thought I would receive a heartfelt story. I was left with a dirty taste in my mouth and wasted time I could have spent reading something I actually enjoy. It’s not often I rate a book 1 Star but I can’t bring myself to give it 2 and I really don’t know why there’s an average of 4.10 rating on GR (stand 24th January 2022).

Disclaimer
I received a free ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hear's the Thing is a fabulous novel by Cody Alan. It's part memoir, part inspirational and self help. And it's wonderful!

I love this book. A fan of Cody and his courage to come out in country music, I appreciate all he has done to help others in the LGBTQ community.

In this novel, he's raw, honest, and gives a full look into his marriage to a women, his relationship with his kids, and finding the courage to come out. He talks about his fiance, Trea and their dog Teddy, both of whom I follow on social media. He talks about his friends in the country music world, as well as in the LGBTQ community.

With this a new book, he talks about the Covid 19 pandemic and how it affected his life and work. He hits of elements everyone can relate to.

And most of all, he discusses the need to listen more. I truly love how many ways this comes up. He reminds the reader to stop and assess the situation, and to figure out how the other person is feeling. He truly has a gift to interview people and I love how well he has mastered this gift.

This book is fascinating to me. Not only does Cody Alan touch of the importance of listening, he gives the reader a behind the scenes look into his work and the country music scene. He also bravely opens up about his struggles involving his sexuality, furthering his ability to help pave the way for others.

I love this book and devoured it easily in one sitting. The writing style is sharp and flows easily. It's all fast paced, all while giving just the right amount of information about a situation. There isn't a single page I found my mind wandering or wishing to fast forward.

Hear's the Thing is a book I hope everyone reads. Cody Alan gifts the reader with many pieces of advice that everyone can benefit from. Listening is a life skill we all need to improve upon. Just read this book!


You can find this review and others at my blog - https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...

[Patrick Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Cody Alan's memoir chronicling his upbringing and rise to be one of the most trusted radio and TV hosts in the country music arena.
Jumping around between his rural South Carolina upbringing, his conversion to the LDS faith, his marriage and the growth of his career, and his eventual coming out and self-realization as a gay man, I felt I was granted a full picture account of the course his life has followed, and the stepping stones along the way that have made him into the man he is today.
The book was predicated upon being about "listening, life, and love." While the listening portion felt a little didactic yet simplistic for my liking, his takes on life and love were beautiful, and aptly illuminated by his own stories, struggles, and ultimately, his triumphs.
My favorite element of the book was his candid explanation of the relationship between him and his ex-wife Terresa. It's clear that they have nothing but an abundance of love and respect for each other, and Terresa seems like someone with an incontrovertibly genuine soul, who helped Cody through his journey of self discovery much more than would be expected from any past lover. I enjoyed reading about their modern family dynamic, and it served as a great reminder that beautiful families come in all shapes and sizes.
Stylistically, I enjoyed the excerpts written by Alan's family members and loved ones that served as epilogues for certain chapters. These blurbs provided an extra layer of texture to his story, and were definitely a value add.

[Melissa McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Cody's book cover to cover and it's one of the best autobiographical books I've ever read. The way Cody let's us in to his very personal life from day one makes me feel like he's the Best Friend I haven't met yet. He's so genuine, easy going, funny, and he personifies the qualities and characteristics that every human being should possess (it would make the world a much more happy and peaceful place to live in). I highly recommend reading this book and getting to know Cody and taking the advice to heart he expresses in every word and every sentence, paragraph, and chapter. You too will think of Cody as the Best Friend you haven't met yet.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this biography for many reasons. As an old radio station person I loved Cody’s stories about his time at various stations. I also love country music and the artists that really do feel like family. Cody shared stories about them, about how lyrics speak to people, etc. A big part of the book is also about how he knew from a young age that he was gay, but his his true self…. Became Morman, married and had children. He tells of coming out finally and being accepted in the country music world.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been listening to Cody Allen for years and this memoir seemed a great next step to know him a little better. This memoir was a quick read, filled with personal stories and anecdotes that brought smiles, not to mention a few tears along the way. Cody's story, especially in relation to his coming out and the impact that had on his career, marriage, and life in general were very compelling, and I'm so glad I had the chance to read this.

[Jessica McCullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve read an autobiography on someone current. Hear’s The Thing is a wonderfully written book about Cody Allen’s journey through life as it has not been all roses and unicorns. It was humbling to read that someone who’s in the “spotlight” of society has their flaws too because media/social media doesn’t always point those out to the public, yet they are real human beings who struggle too. HIGHLY recommend Hear’s The Thing!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Absolutely Amazing! Hearing Cody’s story and learning about him was fantastic. He’s a great writer and storyteller. Not just on radio or tv but in writing too! :)

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting and fun learning more about Cody's life and his work behind the scenes.

[Samantha Haglund pommier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Ronna Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting autobiography. Like listening to him on the radio.

[Melissa Tevlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought this thinking it would be about experiences with country artists. Was not. Was about a whole different set of topics. Would only recommend it you are a big Cody Alan fan.