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.
Pinball Wizard
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Dove Dolce
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Saturn Extreme
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VisionVortex
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Onion King
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Greek Rifle
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Crazy Rox
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Patton Digger
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Sultan of Speed
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
VileHero
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips.
Omega Sub
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Shady Prairie
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Green Ghost
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9Lives
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MindfulMingle
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Widow Curio
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Sprinkle Lovenuts
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King Bass
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
West Warrior
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
CuriousCraft
From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
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