The Examined Life

Every chapter in this book is different and fascinating. Each story is a delightful gem. It's good to discover some excellent writing on psychoanalysis and to be given some insight into the lives and behaviours of the patients in question. All of life is here. I also really liked the narration; the slow and steady pace lends the stories the gravity they deserve.

Highly recommended.

I first heard some of the chapters from this when it was broadcast as Radio 4's book of the week and was so impressed that I had to download the audiobook. It is definitely my listen of the year so far. I loved the insights into people's lives and behaviour and the reasons offered for why we do the things we do really resonated with me. This is beautifully written and the narrator absolutely does justice to the writing with the slow, hypnotic reading. Stephen Grosz' words have stayed with me long after listening. An absolute must for anyone interested in the human experience.

This book shows how complicated and deeply mysterious life can be. Listening to this book was deeply satisfying, as it counters the fear of randomness of life. All is connected but it takes quiet contemplation to allow it to surface to consciousness.

This gentle book provides informative insights into psychotherapy. Divided into 31 chapters, each focuses on an issue through the eyes, words, and dream fragments of patients consulting the author. It is nicely written, full of wisdom, and well narrated. I enjoyed the personal insights, anecdotes, and introspection; along with the occasional especially beautifully written segment.

Really enjoyed this, very different from what I'd normally listen to. There is about 30 stories in here, allowing you to listen in to peoples lives for a while, very engaging. I also loved the narration, it was almost hypnotic which really suited the audiobook.

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I'm glad I acted on their prompt. In turn I highly recommend this book to anyone who works in the area of helping people change. It's also a must read for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of their own complexities. As I listened I felt this book was a true meditation on life and all it's uncertainties. I felt a great connection to the often painful stories of the people involved. Stephen Grosz conveys a deep sense of respect and compassion for these people and their stories. I truly felt I had walked a mile in there moccasins after listening to each story. This is aided by narration that is ideally matched to the material, perfectly paced and paused at reflective spaces. Each story contains an underlying piece of advice that will resonate with many people, I will leave you the joy of finding these rather than list them here. I was left with a much deeper and warmer understanding that each of us has our very own view of the world and a set of hopes and wishes we want to be fulfilled. Stephen Grosz's own uncertainty and realisation that there may not always be an answer or a fix is the main learning I took from this book.

I'm not usually into books about psychology or psychoanalysis but I really enjoyed this on many levels. Firstly the narration is lovely. The narrator's voice is incredibly calming and relaxing. Secondly the way the 'stories' are presented is very interesting - Stephen Grosz recounts the details of his sessions with various clients, what was discussed, how the client reacted, what he felt etc. This is all quite factual and as a listener it's almost like you're spying on the sessions. Interestingly he doesn't draw any conclusions, he just presents the facts, almost like a story, leaving you to ponder the outcome and meaning. I really enjoyed this, although I can also see that some people might find it frustrating as there is sometimes no obvious 'point'. Interestingly, the 'story' that had the most resonance was personal; a very moving account of a trip he took with his father. All in all, I'd really recommend it as just a different kind of audiobook.

This was a quick listen, yet fascinating in its entirety. Of course books on psychoanalysis can have you pondering your own mental state and this was no exception. Interesting, well written and well read. the author is clearly an erudite and intelligent analyst, talking about his experiences with respect and humility.

Great if you are a psychotherapy novice like me, it makes you look at yourself and others differently. Easy listening, but I think it would have had a but more suspense actually reading the book.

This book was truly a great book such an eye opener and a good understanding how and why people behave the way they do to certain situations.