Ties That Bind (and Make You Cry)

Ties That Bind: Stories of Love & Gratitude From the First Ten Years of StoryCorps by Dave Isay
Reviewed by Katie G.

I love listening to people’s real life stories, so StoryCorps has been on my radar for a long long while (along with so many of the other fine programs on NPR. This American Life fans, say oooh.) I love snuggling up to my radio (yes, I have an actual radio that I use at home), maybe a feline or two, and sobbing my eyes out to the personal tales of overcoming tragedy that spew forth from the speakers.

Thus, I was compelled to pick up the advance reader we had for the latest Story Corps compilation: Ties That Bind: Stories of Love & Gratitude From the First Ten Years of StoryCorps. And, I’m even more excited about working the event we’re having with Dave Isay on Wednesday, October 23rd at 7PM. He’ll be here live and in person to talk about and read from the book. We can geek along together as we listen to that signature voice of his, and then get him to sign our books. So, wonderfully magnificent.

Now, to the book:

I wasn’t disappointed. Many a waiting room or cafe has found me in it, crying my eyes out to the wonderful tales inside this book. And, for you cynics out there, I can promise that this book isn’t just filled with warm tales of families coming together. There are tough stories of tragedy within this book that pluck at every heart string you have to play a medley of forgiveness and hope. As the title implies, Ties That Bind is about companionship through both happiness and sorrow. But it’s so much more than that, and these stories should grow even the most cynical hearts by at least 3 sizes.

My personal favorite in the book, because I love a great tale of social justice-themed forgiveness, is the opening story to Section II, “Blessings in the Midst of Tragedy,” between Mary Johnson, 58, and Oshea Israel, 34. When Oshea was 16 years old, he shot and killed Mary’s only son, Laramium Byrd who was only 20 years old at the time. Just thinking about how to describe this story is making me tear up right here at the keyboard.

Mary speaks with Oshea about the conversations they’ve had both while he was in jail for murdering her son and since he has been released after serving 17 years. Mary is able to forgive Oshea; and, just as importantly, Oshea is able to forgive himself. Through all that, an incredible bond was formed. There is such unbelievable and breathtaking beauty in forgiveness.

There’s another story in Section I, “Ties that Bind,” that reflects a sentiment I’ve heard from a number of homeless individuals about the importance of touch and the bond of humanity that comes from just the simple act of brushing someone’s hair. Oh jeez, here come more tears.

It’s a story about a man named Dreamer, 69 years old,  who set up a barbershop trailer outside a VA hospital in Los Angeles, California where he gives free haircuts to veterans. One veteran, Paul Crowley, 60, talks about how much Dreamer touched his life.

That story really embodies the feel of the book, for me. Like Paul, you’re just simply touched. This warmth radiates off the pages and opens up a vulnerable side of you that you didn’t even know needed some TLC. You’re surprised by it, but your heart opens up and you’re completely captivated. This book isn’t just about real-life stories. More importantly, it’s about the preciousness of faith in mankind.

I will take this book and pass it on. Pay it forward, if you will. Because, this isn’t a book you keep to yourself. It’s a book that you use to help everyone.

In the words of Scott Macauly, 49:

I hope my legacy would be that I came into the world, I brightened a corner, and then I quietly left the world unnoticed.

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Dave Isay will be here at BookPeople on Wednesday, October 23rd at 7 PM.

The speaking portion of this event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for the signing portion of the event and are only available with the purchase of a copy of Ties That Bind from BookPeople. Books & tickets are available in-store and via bookpeople.com.

If you can’t make it to the event and would like to order a signed copy, you can do so via bookpeople.com. We ship all over the world.