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A Book of Secrets

Finding comfort in a complex world THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Perhaps being happy is not the answer after all.

In this thoughtful and brilliant new book, the internationally bestselling author of HAPPY considers the value of friction in our lives.

In chapters revealing his own moments of anger and prejudice, anxiety and shyness, loneliness and loss, Derren Brown examines the means to a more rewarding life, be it saving yourself from small talk or navigating middle age. Referencing the ideas of some of the world's great philosophers, he has to wonder if the Greeks were right - unless we tend to all aspects of our lives - our whole flawed natures - the snubbed secreted aspects of ourselves will wreak revenge. Perhaps we need to accept and experience complexity, and allow uncertainty? Is anxiety in fact a pointer for growth? Rather than being true to ourselves, might we instead prioritize better interaction with other people?

Considering these questions leads him to surprising sources of consolation and compassion.

© Derren Brown 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 Consciousness & Thought History Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Witty Funny

Critic reviews

Enlightening, thought-provoking and illuminating. Derren Brown asks questions about the world, and his intelligent curiosity benefits us all. (Elizabeth Day)
All stars
Most relevant
It's hard to imagine anyone else narrating Darren's books. If you liked Happy you will probably enjoy this. Happy is a book trying to place an older philosophy in context. This is a series of reflections on modern life. Different in approach, but similar in literary style and more revealing of the author. Very enjoyable.

A follow up to Happy

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Insightful, fascinating and laugh out loud. Plus Derren is an excellent narrator. Loved it!

Sensational

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I can't remember the last time that I finished a book and turned straight back to chapter 1 for more...
The Book of Secrets is written with respect and read in a way that credits the listener with intelligence. Derren's life is clearly so different from mine and yet here we are musing on the same topics to the same depth and with a similar mindset. I smiled and I cried as if having a (somewhat one sided) heart to heart. The wisdom is wonderful and expressed with enough poetry to leave me feeling like I have been listening to glorious music. I adored the honesty of expression and treasured the moments when the ordinary 'truths' didn't apply to me. The feeling that lingers is a glowing pride that no one else could walk in my shoes.

Stunning

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A Book of Secrets - a book part diary, part philosophical meditation. Read by the author himself.
Superb, at times amusing, and thoroughly, but gently, thought provoking.
Recommended

"No feeling is final."

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A well written and we'll thought out book. Thought provoking and easy to listen to.

An excellent listen

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