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.
Dallas Foxface
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖
ZenZone
💼 Balancing responsibilities with relaxation – audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. 💻📖 The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Romance Princess
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Carrot Joker
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Gingersnap Woman
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Fuzzy Rainbow
The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Genghis Glyph
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Hairpin
Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Bearded Angler
🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel.
Stick Shift
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization.
Bambi Wings
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Tornado Maker
👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Hemingway Mirmillone
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Firefly
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Twinkle Cocoa
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Tornado Maker
This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
New Cycle
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧 Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Apple Nola
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free.
Beetle King
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one! A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Wanted Candy
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
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