If you are struggling with isolation during the pandemic, the latest audiobook by renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor can help. The author recounts how his 60th birthday sparked his intense interest in studying solitude. Listeners follow Batchelor's thoughts and reflections while he seeks out solitude in the wilderness, on meditation retreats, and through the process of creating art. Batchelor confronts himself in new ways through the use of hallucinogens like peyote and ayahuasca. The contemplative nature of the text is amplified by the gentle pacing of Batchelor's narration. He encourages listeners to lean into, rather than struggle against, the experience of solitude. By the audiobook's end, listeners will understand how transformative being alone can be.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Yale University Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners looking to examine joy from a faith-based perspective will find much to reflect on.
In this audiobook, Bowler poses the question, "What is joy?" Narrating her own work, she muses on this theme, discussing finding joy in the ordinary, the role of emotions, recapturing past joy, and the way her faith has shaped her interpretation and experience of joy. Bowler’s narration is down to earth as she talks about her experience battling Stage 4 cancer shortly after her mother's death. She also tackles big ideas about duty and obligation, shared emotion, toxic positivity, how to convert faith into something concretely good, the secret of miracles, and taking risks to achieve joy.
Listeners looking to examine joy from a faith-based perspective will find much to reflect on.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 58 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176564
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
Listeners in search of purpose may find this audiobook transformative.
Author and narrator Brooks challenges listeners to find meaning in their lives when distractions abound. The audiobook offers deep dives into topics including relationships, work, leisure, and faith, as well as formulas for finding happiness and meaning. Brooks delivers the material with the confidence of a professional, and his pace is fast but easy to follow. He shares scientific research, examples from history and literature, and stories of contemporary individuals, including himself. Listeners may want to be ready to pause and take notes to answer the questions Brooks poses about finding one’s own life's meaning.
Listeners in search of purpose may find this audiobook transformative.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282111
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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