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.
Sly Silvermoon
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences โ it's a fantastic touch. ๐ฑ Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go โ this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ๐๐ One of the best audiobooks Iโve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorโs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Metal Aphrodite
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener.
Miss Murder
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio โ it caters to different preferences. I can't imagine my life without this app โ it's my daily dose of literary magic. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Wrangler Jim
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnโt call it unforgettable.
MuseMaster
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book โ brilliant! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Noisy Girl
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ๐ฑ Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap โ this app is my digital library card! ๐๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ Tuning in to the symphony of stories โ audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. ๐ต๐
Red Woman
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
ThoughtTracer
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life.
RedFeet
As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Murder Cherry
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Old Man Winter
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ๐ผ Enhancing work-from-home productivity โ audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. ๐ป๐ ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Widow Curio
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Cowboy Booter
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Shwatson
This app is a book lover's dream come true โ a vast library right at your fingertips. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Morbid Sugar
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Spooky Electric
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
CirrusFlash
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine โ it's my ultimate audio companion. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Roller Girl
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly โ this app's design is a true winner. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Sun Leo
ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Barbwire
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising โ thanks to this app! Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life โ it's incredible. Download options are plenty โ I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
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