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  • Broken Open

  • How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
  • By: Elizabeth Lesser
  • Narrated by: Susan Denaker
  • Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (596 ratings)

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Broken Open

By: Elizabeth Lesser
Narrated by: Susan Denaker
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Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller

This inspiring guide to healing and growth illuminates the richness and potential of every life, even in the face of loss and adversity.In the more than 25 years since she co-founded Omega Institute - now the world’s largest center for spiritual retreat and personal growth - Elizabeth Lesser has been an intimate witness to the ways in which people weather change and transition. In a beautifully crafted blend of moving stories, humorous insights, practical guidance, and personal memoir, she offers tools to help us make the choice we all face in times of challenge: Will we be broken down and defeated, or broken open and transformed?

Lesser shares tales of ordinary people who have risen from the ashes of illness, divorce, loss of a job or a loved one - stronger, wiser, and more in touch with their purpose and passion. And she draws on the world’s great spiritual and psychological traditions to support us as we too learn to break open and blossom into who we were meant to be.

©2004 Villard (P)2008 Random House

Featured Article: 55+ Quotes About Fear—of the Unknown, Change, Love, and More


Looking for a little confidence boost? These quotes about fear from some of literature’s greatest writers can help bolster your bravado. In moments of fear, it’s natural to turn to others—from loved ones to professional counsel—for comfort, encouragement, and advice. But sometimes, it’s most helpful to hear what people you’ve never met have written on the topic. These quotes offer a comprehensive, reassuring portrait of fear and ways to conquer it.

What listeners say about Broken Open

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    363
  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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Performance
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

So much wisdom

Elizabeth Lesser has helped me to awaken again and anew in my life during a difficult time. I will refer back to this treasure trove of a book many many times.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous Stories...Truly Deep and Moving

Having seen Elizabeth on Oprah I was drawn to her. This book is a jewel. It is beautifully read too. This went on my Ipod and has been my constant companion for 2 days. What gorgeous stories she shares.
I have wept copious tears of joy and sorrow, and feel that she has captured with such beauty...the rich and complex experiences of life.

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68 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful book..

I found this book very helpful and conforting

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful and inspiring!!

This book is incredible. I will listen to it over and over. Elizabeth's words are so beautiful and deep.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favorites!

Awesome and inspiring!! Will read again as I need to be uplifted.. Came at the right time in my life

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

The worst narration...ruins an otherwise wonderful book.

I previously read the printed version of this book, but wanted to catch up with it again prior to a book club. Knowing it was not likely that I would have the time (energy) to re-read it while in quarantine with two young children, I thought I would try the audiobook. Unfortunately, the narration of this book is completely out of line with the “voice” of the author. It is so out of synch that it makes it impossible to connect with the book. A very unfortunate choice. Otherwise, this is a great book. If you are at a place in your life that you find yourself needing the message and encouragement of this book, please go get yourself a printed copy and indulge in this incredibly helpful book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

She speaks truth of her experience

And writes well… simply, clearly sharing her spiritual journey. I enjoyed it more than I have enjoyed most non fiction. Her story has fascinating experiences and characters we’ve heard of but maybe idolized or discounted depending on our own preferences or styles of choosing heroes. I’m very glad I read this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Life Changing

I am so glad I selected this book. I have listened to it several times, each time taking something new with me. I purchased two more for a couple of women I thought could use it. An absolutely fantastic, life changing book!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

It's a memoir

Would you try another book from Elizabeth Lesser and/or Susan Denaker?

I am a fan of Lesser's work and the Omega Institute, but this book is not a self-help, it's a memoir. If you like memoirs, I think this is a great book for you. But personally, I'm not interested in memoirs, so this was not for me.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Susan Denaker?

The narration is wonderful. She has warmth and depth.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story, Don't recommend the Narrator However

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator is so over the top, it's like she's reading to children... she lowers her voice when reading quotes from men... raises her voice when talking about kids.... makes me sick! Unfortunately I can't finish the book bc of it! :(

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