How to Hold a Cockroach: A Book for Those Who Are Free and Don’t Know It

By: Matthew Maxwell

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

A struggling boy begins a life-changing journey when a disgusting guest disturbs his dinner. As he encounters other sources of suffering, the boy must investigate fundamental truths he has believed about himself, love, and life. He confronts the most persistent questions of life: What am I? What causes me to suffer? How can I be at peace with the traumas of the past and the uncertainty of the future? What determines how I experience all this? The audio version enlivens the story with original music and sound design by producer and songwriter Mason Maxwell and the captivating voice of award-winning narrator Simon Vance. With a message both surprising and simple, How to Hold a Cockroach is a love letter to humankind, an audiobook for those who are free and don't know it.

©2020 Matthew Maxwell (P)2021 Matthew Maxwell

Loved every word

This was a great book. I am in love with the narrator, background music, even the end where the author speaks.

Sweet and simple

A cute and simple way to approach a meaningful & free life. This book was very endearing and effective.

Delightful!

Such a delight. A book you want to share with a variety of people. I liked the background noises also.made me smile all the through. Though of those 8 inch stinky cockroaches.

Brilliant

Like a ray of sunshine through a dark and ominous sky. Give it a chance and see for yourself. Not a big time commitment and especially rewarding.

A relatable and powerful story for all ages

This book made me cry. How to Hold a Cockroach spoke to me on a level I haven't been able to find in other books, with beautiful storytelling.

This book captures the thoughts and emotions behind our stories, from stories about ourselves and the world around us. We feel captured by those stories, and this book walks us through a boy's life where he also holds stories close and how he believes them to be true.

The part that stuck with me was the beautiful illustration of what life can look like after you release those stories. So many books hit on WHY you should remove something from your mindset or life but don't communicate WHAT life looks like and the approach you can take when you choose to change.

The audio book's production is incredible. The talent and voicework are engaging, and production sound effects add another level to bring you into the story.

Highly recommend this audiobook, and it would be a fantastic gift.

Amazing performance and short story

It was amazing story and book. Music and all quite a beautiful experience. I wish it included a pdf of the art. That is my only critique.

An extraordinary book!

I enjoyed everything, the story, the music, the storyteller’s voice. One of the best audiobooks I’ve listened!

An inspiring modern fable with wonderful narration

In the vein of modern fables like The Alchemist, "How to Hold a Cockroach" is a beautifully narrated story that cleverly reminds the listener that much of how we experience life is driven by how we choose to perceive it. The production of this audiobook creates an immersive experience that is different from anything else I've listened to on Audible. It's a quick listen, and an absolutely joyful way to spend an afternoon. I'm confident that this is one of those rare audiobooks that I will return to again for another listen.

I loved this story and the narrator was top shelf.

I really loved the way it was told and the way it made me think about ideas I have about things. it's sweet and the voice is nostalgic and captivating.

This book is deeply meaningful!

Wow! I was drawn to the book, admittedly by the mystery of the title and by the artwork. How could I possibly hold something that I have so despised for so very long? This book has meat! It’s very deep but not in a complicated way. In fact, it really is very easy to follow and understand. I am enjoying (and surprised by) the spaciousness it has created in me. It has reminded me of things I needed to be reminded of. The story has given me renewed inspiration to remember to interpret “things” - life with all it contains and my relationship with the world, not as only a participant but as a witness and with a beginner’s mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to share it. (Yes - I will look at the next cockroach very differently. I’ve decided to change the way I hold them in my mind and who knows, maybe I will literally hold one in my hand.) 🙏🏼