The Encore

A Memoir in Three Acts

By: Charity Tillemann-Dick

Narrated by: Charity Tillemann-Dick

In this “heartrending, passionate, and surprisingly humorous account of the conjunction between art and death” (Andrew Solomon, New York Times bestselling author), acclaimed opera singer Charity Tillemann-Dick recounts her remarkable journey from struggling to draw a single breath to singing at the most prestigious venues in the world after receiving not one but two double lung transplants.

Charity Tillemann-Dick was a vivacious young American soprano studying at the celebrated Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest when she received devastating news: her lungs were failing, her heart was three and a half sizes too big, and she would die within five years. Medical experts advised Charity to abandon her musical dreams, but if her time was running out, she wanted to spend it doing what she loved.

In just three years, she endured two double lung transplants and had to slowly learn to breathe, walk, talk, eat, and sing again. With new lungs and fierce determination, she eventually fell in love, rebuilt her career, and reclaimed her life. More than a decade after her diagnosis, she has a chart-topping album, performs around the globe, and is a leading voice for organ donation.

Weaving Charity’s extraordinary tale of triumph with those of opera’s greatest heroines, The Encore illuminates the indomitable human spirit and is “an uplifting story of overcoming significant odds to fulfill a dream” (Kirkus Reviews).

Inspiring

This book contains beautiful and disarmingly honest insights. Encouraging us to lay down the weapons of our rebellion (e.g.- doubt, despair, distraction), Charity's life shows purpose beyond trials. Hearing her voice and especially her singing in this Audible version have only enhanced this sublime performance. I have been changed by this book.

Amazing book, awesome performance.

Profound. A fabulous audio book performance and inspiring story. This book is a must read for anyone seeking to live the fullest life, true to their inner voice.

Strong family

What grace thru so much illness..
No only narrator could have told this story, I was rooting for every step she took..

Very moving story!

Charity’s story brought me to tears more than once! Her and her family’s unwavering faith in the face of extreme hardship was incredible and faith-affirming. I am so glad I listened to the audiobook...to hear Charity sing brought me to tears...again! Amazing and awe inspiring!!!

Inspiring, interesting and thought provoking

There is nothing like hearing a memoir read by the author herself. This story takes the listener on a interesting and thought-provoking journey through tragedy, trial and triumph. Acknowledging it is a memoir, o still would have liked a paragraph or two here and there noting what her siblings or husband were thinking at various points, such as during the wedding prep, just to round out the story more.