Very good

I've been avoiding the "7 habits", since I tend to be an anti-joiner, and it got real popular, almost "cult" like. Also, I tried to tackle the book a long time ago, and got bogged down right away.

This is a great listen, as well as great content. I listened to the "6 hour" version, but now I'm thinking I should get the 12 hour version.

One warning about this version -- particularly near the beginning the adbridgement is really lame. A professional-sounding announcer (not a compliment, from me) introduces each snip, which can be amazingly short sometimes, "sound-bite" sized. It seemed like they quit this annoying habit (!) about a third or half the way through (or I just tuned it out).

Even so, if you want a bit more than a "taste" of the 7 habits, I recommend this book -- it has the potential to be life-changing. I'm wondering if I should go get a "7 habits" organizer. Not sure I ready for that, but it sure inspires me to do some kind of follow-through so that it's more than just a read.

54 people found this helpful

Wish had it earlier - although we all know it!

Would you consider the audio edition of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People & The 8th Habit (Special 6-Hour Abridgement) to be better than the print version?

Yes...This book is a encyclopedia of the self help literature from the past centuries. The author has summarized the main teachings about the topic into seven basic tenats. The stress is on self improvement and principle change - supported by not just vague or ambigous, open to interpretation ways to improve one self, he teaches specific examples in daily life, touch points in our work/life where we can start making changes and see expected results. The best part of the book - this does not teach you to be pretentious, or one of the 'How to manage your perception' prescriptions, it states that to achieve harmony and as a result being effective, one needs to make fundamental changes to one's guiding principles and the rest follows. The author cites great examples and suggestions.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People & The 8th Habit (Special 6-Hour Abridgement)?

The discussion on going from perosnal level of effectiveness to greatness!

What does Stephen R. Covey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The expressions of speech, first hand knowledge from the master and above all a great well paced peep into a great way to organise one's self and beyond.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Emotional bank Account

Any additional comments?

One thing missing was if there was some complementing material with the audio file, especially where they base the discussion on graphs and diagrams, it is better to have the visuals as well..Maybe in future, for books where they talk of conceptual models to explain something, the audio file could be accompanied with perhaps those few pages from the book, so user doesnt miss out on anything at all.

14 people found this helpful

Very Good

The abridged version is very well compiled. The short introductions between the book excerpts are a good idea and very helpfull.

10 people found this helpful

Starts with 8th. Then the 7 habits

Some overlap between the two books. 8th habit seems to focus on the impact of computers and information age. I enjoyed the insights into how 7 habits were developed during the end of industrial age.

I listened while doing work around the house & while driving back from work. A more careful reading /listening may be needed due to the content. I may have missed some of Covey points. I choose this abridged version since it was about the right length for me.

I was a little annoyed that 8th habit came first. The online description did not make that clear.

4 people found this helpful

Changed my life

You have to be ready for this book but if you have the willingness and maturity to understand it, it will change your life :) timeless principles explained simply.

3 people found this helpful

Great Book, Narration and Order Could Be Improved

Would you listen to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People & The 8th Habit (Special 6-Hour Abridgement) again? Why?

Yes, this book offers you a lot to think about, so it would be great to review some of the information over and over!

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, the narration was well paced and it's always nice with an author narrates his/her own book. In this book, you get the full Covey experience. I personally found him a little silly at times, but he was at least animated. I did enjoy the parts in the narration when people gave their own testimonials or feedback based on the topic being discussed.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I really enjoyed the call to action in Habit 7. Covey basically tells you to get off your lazy rump and do something that matters in life.

Any additional comments?

I really didn't like how the 8th habit came before the 7th habit...my mind was not really prepared for going right into the 8th habit since I hadn't read the 7 habits book. It would be great if you could switch the order (7 habis first, 8th habit second) or somehow in the chapters tab- section out the two books so it's easy to know where one ends and the other begins.

7 people found this helpful

Exactly what I expected

Nice book, I always wanted to read it, but I guess I wasn't very effective with my reading time, isn't that ironic? :-)
The only thing I didn't like about the audiobook version is that it refers to a "companion guide" that Audible.com didn't add to the Abridged version, so I was blind on those chapters. I contacted support but they were not very helpful.

7 people found this helpful

Terrible narration; book content is fine

Covey's presentation of ideas and concepts in the book is fine and I believe there's utility and value at the core of his book. However, the narration is probably the worst of any audible audiobook I've listened to in recent memory. Covey shouldn't have been permitted to narrate - very boring and slow with pauses at the least appropriate junctures. His cadence makes for a truly awkward listening experience.

2 people found this helpful

Loved it

Now that I've listened to the abridged version, I'm ready to listen to the whole version. No harm done and absorbing hours of good advice and principles.

I think The principles around listening, understanding, and respect all apply to our relationship with not only humans but other animals and the natural world.

2 people found this helpful

So practical!

In this book, the author presents 7 things that need to be mastered in order for the reader to become a highly effective and successful person. The 8th habit is a wonderful bonus to read!

6 people found this helpful