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.
Count Eagle
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Brick Mooch
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Backstreet
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. 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!
Prof. Smirk
π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Hog Butcher
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Video Game Heroine
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion.
Twinkle Cocoa
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Phoenix Tetra
π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Achilles Mountain
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Moxie
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
BlackExcalibur
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Taffy Duchess
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Pitfall Whiskers
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Father Abbot
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§
Hex Panther
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π
Gr8 Flick
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality.
42nd Street
π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
VisionVoyager
ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Shamrock
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset.
Grave Scuttlebutt
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
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