Book description
Audiobook Review - Excellent Sheep by William Deresiewicz
If you've ever wondered whether the elite colleges that promise "world-changing" futures are actually shaping future leaders or merely producing well-polished performers, this audiobook is a wake-up call. Narrated with a calm, authoritative tone that matches Deresiewicz's own scholarly gravitas, the book feels like a conversation with an old mentor who has seen too many bright minds become "sheep" in a system that rewards conformity over curiosity.
The structure is clear and engaging: he starts by laying out his own experience as a Yale professor and admissions committee member, then moves into a series of vignettes featuring real students, parents, and counselors. These stories are not just anecdotes; they're evidence-based snapshots that illustrate the pressure cooker from high school to college applications. The narrator's pacing keeps the listener focused on each point-whether it's the overemphasis on grades, the shift away from humanities, or the loss of independent thought.
What makes this audiobook stand out is Deresiewicz's blend of critique and optimism. He doesn't simply condemn the system; he proposes concrete reforms-reintroducing critical thinking into curricula, encouraging "passionate weirdness," and redefining success beyond test scores. The solution section feels like a call to action rather than a lecture.
The narrator's voice is steady, with occasional inflection that highlights key moments-such as when Deresiewicz calls the students "sheep" or when he describes the "high-pressure conveyor belt." This subtle dramatization keeps the listening experience dynamic without becoming melodramatic. The pacing allows listeners to absorb complex arguments and reflect on their own educational experiences.
Overall, Excellent Sheep is more than a manifesto; it's a thoughtful examination of what education should be. For anyone curious about the future of higher learning-or for parents who want to understand the real pressures their children face-this audiobook offers both insight and hope. It's a compelling listen that will stay with you long after the final word.
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Demo
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience