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.
Mafia Rapunzel
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
Jack Cassidy
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Scooby Did
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Shamrock
Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Jester
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
NexusNomad
ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Lilac Lizard
No need to convert files anymore – ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Gov Skull
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
QuestQuill
With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections.
Jungle King
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
Chasm Face
This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Frosty
I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Natural Mess
I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. 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.
Hang 11
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks.
Rink Ruler
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
HOV
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
Hemingway Mirmillone
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Hidden Tree
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Disco Potato
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. 🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Fresh Peper
📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
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