A bit over written

I like Derren Brown (or at least the persona l see in the media and the underlying message here was good. However, I found the message was a bit lost in the wordiness.

Where Derren wanted to review the history of western philosophy, I wanted to know what I could do to be happier. I’ve listened to the whole audiobook (previously gave up on the actual book) and it felt a chore at times and I’m not really sure what the messages were. I felt they were lost amidst the words ( some of which seemed unnecessarily large which didn’t help) and I also felt his stressing of certain words was a bit off putting.

It’s a shame, because the points were good on the whole, but needed to be clearer and stressed more. A wrap up at the end of each chapter of the key take aways would have been good. I can’t recollect much of what it is that will make me happy.

I’ve taken away a few things, but not as much as I’d hoped. I found the dismissal of the afterlife and religion to be unconvincing and religious examples were from a purely western perspective.

It’s a good book with some good points buried away inside it, but it was dull at times and almost impenetrable at others. I’m quite educated but had to look up a few words which didn’t help much.

I’ll probably listen again and hope to pick up more pointers, but it didn’t quite work for me.

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3 people found this helpful

Loved this book.

I wont bother telling you too much about it as I think that everyone will get different things out of it. Derren Brown does preach like allot of other books in this genre, there is no "you need to do this" to achieve happiness. He goes through a history of what happiness is to various people and how this can relate to life. I struggle to put down on paper what I learned, I guess, an understanding of what happiness is to me? Or at least what it is to me at this moment in my life and the tools to look at myself and what I assign happiness too. That may not make any sense. I rarely do; but it's worth a read. The narration is what you would expect from Derren Brown, clear concise and an absolute joy to listen too!

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Beautiful Book

An amazingly broad investigation of what it means to be alive. Could have been called The Meaning of Life or Hitchhikers Guide to Existence. Highly recommend the audio version which is beautifully read by the Derren

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Exceptional Listen!

Wow! This is simply one of the best non-fiction books I have ever come across. Absolute game changer - would recommend to anyone. Hats off, Derren.

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Very good for realisation

I suffer with depression and anxiety. I was recommended a “self help” audible book. This was amazing! It really made me think about my approach to my life. Would highly recommend.

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Well worth your time

Well researched and delivers as expected.
The impact of this book will stay with me. I will have to revisit as the mind can wander whilst driving and I’m sure I’ve missed things but I’m sure I took in a lot.

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not what I expected but so much more!

loved it...made me laugh out loud few times and had some recollection times too. get it!

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Love it

Derren brown is a great narrator. Thought provoking book which is completely honest and doesn't hold back. My favourite audio book so far.

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Distracting tone, but beautiful message

If you can get passed the condescending tone and glib opinions of great minds, it's message is worthwhile. Not every opinion of Derren Browns will resonate, but maybe this is the intention?

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Best book

I absolutely loved this book gave me a existential crisis now and again but it was brilliant just like the author it did not disappoint

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