The couple describes a rainy but joyous day with fellow Award inductees on an official bus heading to meet "the first couple." Like the others, theirpaper work was checked then an "Executive looking dog" sniffed everyone down. They mention the surprise and silent reaction to the dog's arrival. Ozzie and Ruby mention they felt it was accusatory. They then refer back to when they were accused of being communist Pinkos. Ozzie proceeds to tell how the dog growled at the two of them, how they were taken off the bus and left standing in the rain as the others went on. Ruby interrupts ...with the truth.... The dog barely noticed them and they went on to the meeting without a hitch. But "Ozzie's lie," as she good naturally calls it, gives them the excuse to write "this joint life tale." Ozzie goes on to say they are not guilty of anything but being black that would make another person mad at them. And that their lives were "forged in danger, struggle and escape and rate more than a cursory sniff."

Ozzie and Ruby present personal highlights from childhood, to marriage, to later becoming grandparents. They relive their experiences of being in an era of segregation. Ozzie raised to conform and Ruby to rebel. Both are educated, expressive, and talented. They meet while performing in a play. Ruby tells how she knew it was love. Ozzie replies he felt nothing, at first. They talk about their schooling, Ozzie's military stint, Ruby's failed first marriage, and the choices made in their relationship, raising their children, and minor regrets. Most of all they celebrate long lives and marriage.

Ozzie and Ruby both narrate the audio version. They narrate individually and sometimes speak to each other. Ozzie's talent as a writer excels in this autobiography, and comes across even better through audio. Ruby is expressive; her tone does seem to carry a burden of personal and emotional issues. She comes across as someone in search of a cause, be it a diet or a conviction. I have to say this is the most natural reading of a book I've every heard. With Ossie and Ruby, this audio book is a "must-share."