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Solitude

In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World

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Solitude

By: Michael Harris
Narrated by: Kerry Shale
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About this listen

Random House presents the unabridged downloadable audiobook edition of Solitude by Michael Harris, read by Kerry Shale.

Solitude is a rapidly vanishing experience. Our society now embraces sharing like never before: time alone is being forced out of our lives by the constant pings of smartphones and prods of social media. But what if being alone still has something to offer us - something we have forgotten but that we still desperately need?

In Solitude, award-winning author Michael Harris examines why being alone matters now more than ever before. He reflects on the paradoxical feeling of isolation that emerges from being constantly connected - and on how learning the beauty of solitude can help us escape it. After all, it is when we are alone that we realise the greatest truths about ourselves. Being alone - really alone - could be the only antidote to the frenzy of our digital age.

Rich with stories about the transformative power of solitude, and drawing on the research of the world's leading neuroscientists and behavioural psychologists, Solitude offers a timely and profound exploration of how to be alone - and why it matters for us all.

©2017 Michael Harris (P)2017 Random House Audiobooks Developmental Psychology Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Society Sociology

Critic reviews

"A timely, eloquent provocation to daydream and wander." (Nathan Filer, author of The Shock of the Fall)
"I came away from this book a better human being. Michael Harris's take on existence is calm, unique, and makes one's soul feel good." (Douglas Coupland)
All stars
Most relevant
I really wanted to like this book but I couldn't get passed the first fifteen minutes due to the narrator's voice. I know a lot of people like a gravelly tone but this was so crunchy as to be painful for me to listen to. I don't know if it's an affection or just his natural voice but the persistent vocal fry had my toes curling. Next time maybe reach for a cough drop before setting up the mic?

I will buy the physical book instead.

Great text, poor performance

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The book's description proved misleading, enticing me with the promise of a spiritual exploration on the beauty and power of solitude. Alas, I found myself immersed not in a transcendent journey, but rather a critical social commentary dissecting the impact of the digital age on the human condition.
The dissonance between the advertised and actual content left a lingering sense of disillusionment, as if I had embarked on a sacred pilgrimage only to find myself in a bustling wine bar. Can I have a refund?

Nothing about Solitude

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