Writing out Loud

What a Blind Teacher Learned from Leading a Memoir Class for Seniors

By: Beth Finke

Narrated by: Robin J. Sitten

You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll write.

She's never taught a class in her life. But when the City of Chicago calls on blind writer Beth Finke to teach a memoir-writing class for older adults, she reluctantly agrees. What she learns about her students, their stories, and herself will move and inspire you.

Written the way Beth hears life, you will come to know and love Minerva, Wanda, Hannelore, and the whole colorful cast of characters who build a community around Beth's classes.

Generously sprinkled with excerpts in her students' own voices, Beth's book will convince you to get your own stories down on paper while there's still time.

©2017 Beth Finke (P)2017 Beth Finke

Critic reviews

"Honest, lyrical, and funny...a beautifully-felt and deeply moving tribute to the ways sharing life stories can connect us with others, and sometimes, with ourselves." (Miriam E. Nelson, PhD, best-selling author of Strong Women Stay Young)

Smiling, Laughing, and Crying out Loud

Beth Finke’s Latest book is a collection of short stories that run the gamut of emotions from A to Z. Every chapter is a gemstone of humanity, authored and carefully polished too it’s Ultimate luster by Ms. Finke or one of her students from her “Me, Myself and I“ Writers Workshops. The book is beautifully narrated by Robin Sitten, Who occasionally uses subtle foreign and regional accents to add additional depth to
Some of the characters. Upon the release of “Writing Out Loud”, it rose to the top of my reading list. After 4 hours of nonstop listening I had to take a break only to say thank you to Ms. Finke for a fascinating and inspirational book. If I lived in Chicago I would sign up for her memoir writing workshop!

So Many Good Things!

I cannot say enough "good stuff" about this book. It is so personal to me, being a native of Chicago, an accomplished woman in my seventies, who is sadly, now losing my sight. I am a writer and mentor and teacher and a lot of other people under my one hat, but this story grabbed me and gripped me. I was sad to see it end. So much so that I have contacted the author in hopes of getting more information about memoir writing groups in my own area. I have attempted to start journal groups and writing groups in my own senior building but the interest level has been zero. I do not live in Chicago now, but I feel the need to become active again in doing the things that my two years of waning eyesight, stopped cold! I will be 75 in October and before COVID I was an activities director, office assistant and leader of many groups in my building. I became extremely ill and was unceremoniously "let go" from all my positions. Listening to this remarkable story about this remarkable woman traveling all over Chicago and beyond who talks openly about her strengths and fears and hearing about the way she works with seniors is so uplifting. I wish that she had more audiobooks as I cannot see small print, but THIS book stirred something within me that is great and powerful and inspiring! I am so thankful!

A Captivating Story

Writing Out Loud brings to mind the tales of beloved elders gathered around the family table while enjoying dessert. The warm and chatty narration draws the reader into that gathering. In taking the risk to teach, Beth is rewarded with insights not only into her students' lives, but also into the events of the past century which continue to influence and enrich our own.

Informitive

Very much enjoyed this book. I laughed and cried. I feel more encouraged to wright.