Life Is So Good: One Mans Extraordinary Journey through the 20th Century and How He Learned to Read at Age 98 (Abridged) Audiobook, by George Dawson Play Audiobook Sample

Life Is So Good: One Man's Extraordinary Journey through the 20th Century and How He Learned to Read at Age 98 (Abridged) Audiobook

Life Is So Good: One Mans Extraordinary Journey through the 20th Century and How He Learned to Read at Age 98 (Abridged) Audiobook, by George Dawson Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: LeVar Burton Publisher: Phoenix Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 3.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 2.88 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: May 2001 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

In Life Is So Good, read by Emmy Award nominee LeVar Burton, George Dawson shares his unique wisdom about survival, joy, people, and the hidden beauty of growing old. Now 101, he has witnessed a century of change. We hear the history of America as seen through his eyes - race relations in the South, the World Wars, the invention of the automobile, and other historic events. Though he was only eight years old when he left home to work on a white family's farm, he took with him his parents' positive outlook - based on appreciating what he had, the wise observance of others, and common sense. Dawson's story offers a moving prescription for a satisfying and meaningful life.

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"This book is an easy read and gives the reader a look at life from the inside of the mind of a black man who was raised in the South. Born in 1898 George Dawson lived in an era close enough to slavery to really understand how it molded the lives of those that suffered through it. Having to work on the farm from childhood he was also denied the advantage of being literate and all of the struggles that entails. Mr. Dawsons intelligent mind and strong work ethic eventually enabled him to overcome these disadvantages and live a successful life while at the same time ensuring that his children did not have to suffer as he did. This is an encouraging autobiography that will both educate and inspire anyone who beleives that the American spirit of self reliance and courage will win out in the end. Don't miss this one."

— William (4 out of 5 stars)

Life Is So Good: One Man's Extraordinary Journey through the 20th Century and How He Learned to Read at Age 98 Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.41176470588235 out of 54.41176470588235 out of 54.41176470588235 out of 54.41176470588235 out of 54.41176470588235 out of 5 (4.41)
5 Stars: 16
4 Stars: 16
3 Stars: 2
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1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A library patron recommended this to me. I hope to see her again soon, so I can thank her. This is such an inspirational book, I've recommended it to several more people. George Dawson was a simple man with an awesome attitude. The book is written in a coversational way. I felt like I was sitting in his livingroom listening to a grandparent. He had so many wonderful stories to tell, but above all teaches that us working hard and staying positive is the way to enjoy life-- because after all--what else can you do? "

    — Kim, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Sappy, but valuable. Puts Kerouac to shame. "

    — Bryan, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An inspiring story with a wisdom about life that I have taken to heart. This is a great book. "

    — Teresa, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book about a man with about the best life attitude I've encountered. "

    — De, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This memoir paints a very honest, vivid picture of one man's experiences through the 20th century. I enjoyed reading it very much and found Mr. Dawson's way of life very inspiring. He was a hard-worker, very diligent and kind, and never saw himself as a victim, even when it would have been so easy to do so. The climax of the book tells about the process by which he finally learns to read in his 98th year. Truly a life worth reading about - you'll learn a lot! "

    — Stacey, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A holiday read from the campsite bookshelf - I had a choice between this one and an SAS war adventure. I'm glad I read this! I stayed up late on our last night to finish it. The engrossing life story of a simple man whose only outstanding feature is that he lived a long time. "

    — Bill, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved this man's attitude towards life, what an amazing life he had as well...I think I would have given up...makes me appreciate what I have and how I need to stop worrying and start living! "

    — DeAnn, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really enjoyed the writing of this book as George Dawson in first person. His colloquialisms and story telling made you feel you were conversing with the guy. Although there are many hard parts to his story, you were continually reminded of how a simple life can be very good. "

    — Edna, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love reading biographies and this man's life was fascinating and inspiring. "

    — Megan, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Ok, this should be required reading for every kid in America - as part of American history, as part of Black History, and as part of a loving reality check by way of example. My girls will be reading this as well. "

    — Go2therock, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Buy a copy of this book--because you'll want to highlight, underline, and write notes on every page. It's full of great life lessons and beautiful experiences of a man who lived for over a century. "

    — Jen, 12/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book, very easy to read. "

    — Mary, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I couldn't put this book down! Would love to meet this guy! "

    — Karen, 7/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I am really enjoying the book so far. I would recommend it to anyone. "

    — Maryann, 6/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a brilliant book. From the historical context of the difficulties of growing up in the South in the early twentieth century through to the personal growth of a man who learnt to read and write (a book!) in his late years. A wonderful story ...a great read. "

    — Wayne, 5/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A grandson of a slave who lived in poverty most of his life worked like a slave and called life good. It's a good lesson in gratitude. "

    — Marilyn, 3/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book with a wonderful detailed description of the way things once were and a man who lived through big changes. "

    — Sarah, 3/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Easy, historical, fun read about a man's 100 year life during the 20th century. Eye opening to first hand history and life experiences. "

    — Joan, 12/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful story about a remarkable man. He learned to read at the age of 98 and wrote his memoir when he was 101. He is an inspiration. Although his life was hard, he always found the blessings in everything, never bitter or cynical. Very uplifting read. Highly recommend. "

    — Linda, 8/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love the attitude of George Dawson. I love the frankness with which he tells his life story. Life is what it is and the attitude you have can either add to your happiness or take away from it. I would recommend this book highly "

    — Linda, 4/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " OMG - this book is worth reading over and over. It is truly inspiring. "

    — Tammi, 1/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very touching. I could really identify with this growing up in the South, especially in a place like Memphis. "

    — Heather, 12/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was such a charming book...a sweet older man who had been through so much in his life but cherished simplicity and made the best of each and every day. I love the fact that he shows you are never to old to learn...since he learns to read very late in life. Bless you George Dawson! "

    — Lori, 12/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " George Dawson is a pretty ordinary guy, and an extraordinary one. It's amazing to watch the entire 20th century unfold from his perspective. "

    — Ringthebells, 9/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not the most amazing writing ever (though not at all bad), but the story is interesting and uplifting. "

    — Aly, 7/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Incredible life story. I can't even imagine. "

    — Sandy, 5/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book. He had a simple yet great philosphy about life that has made me stop and take a look at my own attitude. I would love to have met this man, but my guess is that I have probably taken care of lots of people who lived a life very similar to his. "

    — Jenifer, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love reading biographies and this man's life was fascinating and inspiring. "

    — Megan, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An amazing book filled with humble inspiration. George reminds me so much of my own Dad it is uncanny and then in the last few pages he writes one of my Dad's favourite sayings. For anyone who wants to live a simple honest happy life this is a must read. "

    — Tammie, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Easy reading and a pretty good story. "

    — Chris, 5/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a life story!!! 1898- 2001 through the eyes of a colored man who lived through it all and came out bein thankful instead of resentful!!! Very inspirational... should be a must read for every high school student!!! "

    — Lori, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Oh my goodness! Great read. I knew nothing about this book but it caught my eye at the bookstore in February where it was on Black History month display. The man learned to read at age 93! Inspiring and a good read for all my book lovin' friends. "

    — Bev, 4/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If George could svive it, then I knpw I can make it. "

    — Judith, 3/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " George Dawson is such an inspirational person...it is very difficult for me to put down the book. He has been trough so much but he keeps an open mind ........ I learned a lot reading about his story of life. I will recommend this book to everyone! "

    — Mie, 3/12/2011

About LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton is an Emmy Award–winning actor, presenter, director, author, and Earphones Award–winning narrator. He is best known for his roles as the host of the long-running PBS children’s series Reading Rainbow, as Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as the young Kunta Kinte in the 1977 award-winning ABC television miniseries Roots. He has also directed a number of television episodes for various iterations of Star Trek, among other programs. He was named 2017’s Best Male Literary Citizen by Literary Hub and is a 2020 recipient of the Ember Award for unsung contributions to literature.