Book description
Waking Up - An Audiobook Review
Sam Harris's Waking Up turns the idea of spirituality on its head: you don't need a church or temple to experience it, just a curious mind and a willingness to listen. In this audiobook, Harris invites listeners into a world where meditation is treated as a science experiment and mindfulness becomes an everyday skill that can be practiced by anyone.
What makes this recording stand out is Harris's voice-clear, calm, and unpretentious. He speaks with the authority of a neuroscientist while staying grounded in human experience. The narration flows effortlessly between personal anecdotes about his own meditation practice and rigorous explanations of how our brains respond to focused attention. When he cites studies on the default mode network or the effects of oxytocin, it feels less like textbook jargon and more like a conversation with a trusted friend who just happened to have a PhD.
The structure of the book-part memoir, part scientific primer-mirrors the pacing of the audio itself. Early chapters are light and engaging, offering simple breathing exercises that listeners can try on the spot. As the recording progresses, Harris delves into deeper concepts such as "detached awareness" or the distinction between "the self" and "the story." These sections are paired with guided meditations that help you internalize the ideas rather than just understand them intellectually.
Listeners often remark that the audiobook feels less like a lecture and more like a gentle coaching session. The pauses are well-placed, giving space for reflection. Harris's tone is earnest yet approachable; he acknowledges the skeptical side of his audience while still encouraging them to experiment with meditation as a rational practice.
In short, Waking Up offers a compelling blend of contemplative wisdom and empirical insight. It is perfect for anyone who wants to explore spirituality without dogma, or simply want to learn how to live more mindfully in the chaos of modern life. The audiobook format makes it easy to absorb these ideas during commutes, workouts, or quiet evenings at home. If you're looking for a thoughtful, science-backed guide that feels like a trusted companion on your personal journey, this is the recording you'll want to add to your library.
Skittle Mine
πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Drop Stone
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
Iron Butterfly
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Risen
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life.
The China Wall
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Firefly Caramel
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive.
Dangle
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Dredd
π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
Mantis Queen
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze.
LerveDr
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Slug-em-dog
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. 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.
Take Away
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Snow Pharaoh
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
DreadSherX
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π
VisionVortex
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story.
Twister Hero
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Undergrad
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Moon Cricket
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
InfinityInsight
π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Tomcat
I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
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