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Walden Audiobook
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(4.36) - 96 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Walden is the classic account of two years spent by Henry David Thoreau living at Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts. The story is detailed in its accounts of Thoreau's day-to-day activities, observations, and undertakings to survive out in the wilderness for two years. Thoreau's journal is an exquisite account of a man seeking a more simple life by living in harmony with nature. In today's fast-paced consumer-driven society, the austere lifestyle endorsed by Thoreau is as relevant and refreshing as ever.
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"It took me a while but I finally finished reading "Walden", and I gladly recommend it to anyone who is willing to question not only their own lifestyle but the society they are a part of. Although it is challenging and has the potential to cause headaches, this work of literature will help you to grow tremendously as a reader. I remember that when I first began reading it I struggled with the first pages because of Thoreau's idiosyncratic writing style and was forced to reread and skim over those first twenty pages several times before I was able to understand the message that he was trying to send. The more I read, the easier it became for me to understand him and the easier it became for me to fly past readings that were simpler than "Walden"; during my library aid period, I sometimes pick up and begin to read random novels, and I noticed that as I grew to understand Thoreau more, my speed when reading regular novels increased. Apart from improving my reading speed and comprehension, "Walden" also increased my vocabulary. I can't tell you how many words from our English class vocabulary lists I found in the book (…and I regret not writing them down in a list as I found them). Thoreau's masterpiece also led to me to begin writing outstanding quotes in a small notebook. Because writing down some of Thoreau's quotes helped me to understand him, I'm now going to begin writing down quotes that catch my attention in all of the novels I read from here on out, so that when preparing for the AP English Literature exam I can just flip through my handy dandy notebook and remember not only what the books were about, but also remember some quotes I can use for evidence in my essays. Like I said in the beginning, I recommend Thoreau's "Walden" to anyone who is willing to give it a try. I feel like if there is a stage in life when "Walden" should be read, it is now during our youth, when we are still trying to figure out what path to follow in life and about to enter a vicious competition to enter the colleges of our choice. Henry David Thoreau continually encourages his reader to "live the life he has imagined" because is he does so "he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours" (346), so it is vital that we read it now before we begin wasting our valuable time living the life someone else has imagined for us."
— Juana (5 out of 5 stars)
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The pacing and delivery of the message are both clear and easy to absorb, making this classic beautifully suited to the audiobook format, especially with Foster's consistent voice taking control.
— AudioFile
Walden Listener Reviews
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" When you move into the woods for 2 years and basically say fuck you to society do you really need to then write a piece on civil disobedience? Its like the Colonel writing about fried chicken. You knew wtf was up when you bought that beautiful bucket of crispiness. "
— Markus, 2/16/2014 -
" It was better this second time that I read it, but I doubt a follow-up third will happen anytime soon! "
— Lindsey, 2/3/2014 -
" One of my very favorite books and definitely timely - it relates to something we are all thinking about now - our relationship to nature and how to live in tune with it. I strive to be like him. I love his mentor also - Emerson. "
— Terri, 1/25/2014 -
" this one is close to my heart. "
— Laurie, 1/17/2014 -
" I was prepared to accept this book as my new favorite, but alas! the last two chapters were preachy and religiously-oriented. I don't get it. Did the publishers demand a spiritual spin or had Thoreau simply become a flake by the time he got around to finishing the book?! Though I would highly recommend the book (except the last one or two chapters), I was disappointed that Henry crashed and burned on the last lap. "
— Jef, 1/16/2014 -
" I've been meaning to read this since I went to Walden Pond all those years ago. Interesting stuff. "
— Samantha, 1/14/2014 -
" Government- guess not a lot has changed since his day. "
— Jana, 1/10/2014 -
" This book is simply must reading, more necessary now than when it was written. I read it every fiver years (or thereabouts) and it invariably restores some sanity to my life, calendar and soul. Any book that can do that it timeless! "
— Chuck, 1/10/2014 -
" I read this a very long time ago, but still remember it. It rang so true with me that I thought I might be Thoreau reincarnated. The idea of simple living is finally making a resurgence with the movement of local food, local arts, and bicycles. "
— Steve, 10/30/2013 -
" I first read this when I was going to graduate college. My "Angry Young Man" stage. Now that I'm an angry 38 year old, it seems even more pertinent. "
— Steve, 9/11/2013 -
" I think Thoreau has many wonderful ideas. Unfortunately, I hate wading through his prose to get to them. Seriously, I highly recommend the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail: A Play as a Thoreau for Beginners. Those transcendentalists were very thoughtful, but obtuse. "
— Kaethe, 6/30/2013 -
" Thoreau doesn't seem like he was a very fun guy to hang around with. "
— James, 5/27/2013 -
" Of course this is a classic, but I didn't actually find it a pleasurable read. "
— Zoe, 3/25/2013 -
" I didn't enjoy reading it during the summer, but I felt good after finishing it because the book had depth and each paragraph was meaningful. "
— Paige, 10/29/2012 -
" Thoreau's words seem prophetic at times, and on other occasions he makes the most potent case for citizens to get involved in making their own governments more just and morally upright. A very inspirational essay, and a must read. "
— Ruchir, 5/21/2012 -
" What can I say; I like transcendentalism. Civil Disobedience is a must read for all; even if you have to muddle though it... "
— Kristen, 4/11/2012 -
" One of the best books I've read. I love both Walden for its honest exploration into Man's condition. I love Civil Disobedience for being revolutionary, introducing the concept of the citizen's duty to disobey unjust laws. Profound impacts on the American Psyche. "
— Hans, 3/21/2012 -
" Need to re-read, it has been many years! "
— Melissa, 3/8/2012 -
" Read "Civil Disobedience" for school, but I love Thoreau's writing and want to read more! "
— Sara, 2/7/2012 -
" Walden is a terrific book. Thoreau perfectly blends a healthy balance of tasteful, vivid description with specific, interesting outlooks on society and life. "
— Mitchell, 12/12/2011 -
" great thoughts, but not very realistic taken to the extrem that he does. "
— Shelly, 11/8/2011 -
" I've read this several times. You'd be hard-pressed to find any book with as many pithy maxims for life as this one. "
— Dallas, 6/17/2011 -
" Maybe not all of it's true but all of it's definitely beautiful. "
— Samuel, 5/21/2011 -
" Maybe not all of it's true but all of it's definitely beautiful. "
— Samuel, 5/21/2011 -
" Maybe not all of it's true but all of it's definitely beautiful. "
— Samuel, 5/21/2011 -
" Best book to take backpacking "
— Will.cornell, 5/19/2011 -
" After opening the cover to read the first few lines of the book, I found myself reading page 8 before I looked up to catch my breath! It's safe to say that as soon as i'm done with this book, i'll be treating myself to some Emerson! "
— Rebeca, 5/18/2011 -
" After opening the cover to read the first few lines of the book, I found myself reading page 8 before I looked up to catch my breath! It's safe to say that as soon as i'm done with this book, i'll be treating myself to some Emerson! "
— Rebeca, 5/18/2011 -
" After opening the cover to read the first few lines of the book, I found myself reading page 8 before I looked up to catch my breath! It's safe to say that as soon as i'm done with this book, i'll be treating myself to some Emerson! "
— Rebeca, 5/18/2011 -
" Read book for a class, then read it again for myself. "
— Pamela, 5/14/2011 -
" Read book for a class, then read it again for myself. "
— Pamela, 5/14/2011 -
" Read book for a class, then read it again for myself. "
— Pamela, 5/14/2011 -
" Read about half of Walden while I was hiking the John Muir Trail. It was perfect for that setting. I'd like to finish it someday. Perhaps when I'm out on another adventure. "
— Josh, 5/4/2011 -
" Read about half of Walden while I was hiking the John Muir Trail. It was perfect for that setting. I'd like to finish it someday. Perhaps when I'm out on another adventure. "
— Josh, 5/4/2011 -
" Read about half of Walden while I was hiking the John Muir Trail. It was perfect for that setting. I'd like to finish it someday. Perhaps when I'm out on another adventure. "
— Josh, 5/4/2011 -
" In this edition, Harding provides marginal notes to explain various references in the text, such as people and places that Thoreau mentions, Biblical allusions, or unfamiliar terminology. "
— Erika, 4/21/2011 -
" In this edition, Harding provides marginal notes to explain various references in the text, such as people and places that Thoreau mentions, Biblical allusions, or unfamiliar terminology. "
— Erika, 4/21/2011 -
" In this edition, Harding provides marginal notes to explain various references in the text, such as people and places that Thoreau mentions, Biblical allusions, or unfamiliar terminology. "
— Erika, 4/21/2011 -
" Maybe a little difficult to read but this is pure gold. "
— Troy, 4/11/2011 -
" Maybe a little difficult to read but this is pure gold. "
— Troy, 4/11/2011 -
" Maybe a little difficult to read but this is pure gold. "
— Troy, 4/11/2011 -
" I read the Finnish translation of the Walden. Surprisingly current thoughts, though some of them where quite amusing, because they were way too critical. Can´t help thinking of; what if people would have lived differently the past 100 years or so. "
— Mervi, 4/10/2011 -
" I read the Finnish translation of the Walden. Surprisingly current thoughts, though some of them where quite amusing, because they were way too critical. Can´t help thinking of; what if people would have lived differently the past 100 years or so. "
— Mervi, 4/10/2011 -
" I read the Finnish translation of the Walden. Surprisingly current thoughts, though some of them where quite amusing, because they were way too critical. Can´t help thinking of; what if people would have lived differently the past 100 years or so. "
— Mervi, 4/10/2011 -
" A life changing book if you're young enough and you read it your last free summer. "
— Robert, 4/9/2011 -
" A life changing book if you're young enough and you read it your last free summer. "
— Robert, 4/9/2011 -
" A life changing book if you're young enough and you read it your last free summer. "
— Robert, 4/9/2011
About Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) was an American essayist, naturalist, philosopher, and poet. Born at Concord, Massachusetts, and educated at Harvard, he began his career as a teacher. Through his older friend and neighbor, Ralph Waldo Emerson, he became a part of the Transcendentalist circle and one of that group’s most eloquent spokespersons. He is best known for his book Walden and his essay “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience.”