The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work Audiobook

" A really interesting look at modern life. Well worth dipping into! "

" Some really interesting points... "

" A fun read. Interesting characters and some quirky vignettes. I wish there had been more talk about philosophy, but maybe I'm just being too academic. A very interesting look at some odd and not so odd professions--and I learned a lot. "

" I picked this one off the shelf the second I saw the writer. I had previously read "Architecture of Happiness," and loved it. Moreover, I was eager to read this because I am always mulling over the societal norm of doing one thing your whole life to make a living. I didn't really gain any insight or great knowledge from this book, but there were some interesting moments. I think that the topic of this book may have been better presented in a more systematic and rigorous tone rather than the selective anecdotal nature that Botton chose. "

" The best book I've read on the subject. "

" This has been hanging around for over a month with very little movement. Throwing it back into the library pool, though only because I'm just not in the frame of mind for it. It's well-written, just not a good time for me. "

" went on an alain de botton book "tour" this summer reading anything of his i could get my hands on. i really like his crisp style mixed with subtle playfulness. "

" Interesting reflections on the social structures that give rise to modern occupations, though I was expecting more focus on personal experiences. "

" Loved this book, laughed on every page, looking forward to discussing at book club in a couple of weeks. "

" Started reading the book but could never convince myself to finish it "

" My favorite quote in this book comes from Abraham Maslow: "It isn't normal to know what we want. It is a rare and difficult psychological achievement." An interesting study of the nature, tedium, and passion associated with our careers. "

" Not what I expected. An excellently written and engaging book about what would not typically be thought of as engaging. I am glad I took up Harvard Book Store's recommendation to read it. "

" A snapshot of 8 different professions. Subtly witty and very cleverly written. Really enjoyable. Made me think about things I never really think about (e.g. how power gets to us, the process of getting tuna to the shops). Particularly enjoyed the career counsellor chapter. Really good. "

" Is it journalism, story telling, continental philosophy, a meditation? Yes. It's all those things. And it's wonderful. "

" Interesting...philosophical. Plan to try one more of his books. "

" Whatever you do, de Botton helps you see it as something abstract, even absurd. Which helps, sometimes. "

" I rather liked other books by de Botton but this book, mwah, rather boring. "

" Is it journalism, story telling, continental philosophy, a meditation? Yes. It's all those things. And it's wonderful. "

" The essays in this book were sort of uneven, but some of them (most especially "Biscuit Manufacture") are quite good. "

" The best book I've read on the subject. "

" A funny analysis of the place of work in our lives and society. Well worth a read, especially for those of us who've ever spent a day at the desk thinking "why am i here??" "

" The pleasures of this book? Small humorous observations that make one look at the tiniest detail in life in a new light. The sorrows? Rambling in parts. "

" I read the first chapter in a Kindle sample and am thrilled with it. Can't wait to keep reading. "