by David Isay
First published 2001
Award-winning radio producer David Isay brings together compelling audio documentaries that originally aired on National Public Radio. The collection features diverse Americans telling their own stories: a Chinese immigrant who runs a restaurant in New York City, an African-American waitress who participated in lunch counter integration in the South, a pawnshop owner who also operates a wedding chapel, and a retired couple who became radio disc jockeys. Each documentary captures authentic regional and ethnic dialects while revealing overlooked aspects of American culture. The book includes complete transcripts of all radio broadcasts plus analytical exercises that help readers examine language patterns and respond through discussion and writing. A CD contains the original radio programs, allowing readers to hear the actual voices and speech patterns of the storytellers.
Genres: anthologies, 20th-century, american, 21st-century, americana
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, slice-of-life
Setting: New York City, South
Period: 20th Century, 21st Century
78 pages · Paperback · Yale University Press