Researcher and thought leader Dr. Brené Brown offers a powerful new vision that encourages us to dare greatly: to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly…who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable, or to dare greatly. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.
In Daring Greatly, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. Based on 12 years of research, her book argues that vulnerability is not weakness but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. The book that Dr. Brown’s many fans have been waiting for, Daring Greatly will spark a new spirit of truth—and trust—in our organizations, families, schools, and communities.
Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. A nationally renowned teacher and speaker, she is also the author of The Gifts of Imperfection and I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t). Her groundbreaking work has been featured widely in the media, including PBS and NPR.
©2012 Brené Brown (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
“A wonderful book: urgent, essential, and fun to read. I couldn’t put it down, and it continues to resonate with me.” (Seth Godin, New York Times best-selling author)
“In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown refers to herself as both a mapmaker and a traveler. In my book, that makes her a guide. And I believe the world needs more guides like her who are showing us a wiser way to our inner world. If you’d like to set your course on being more courageous and connected, engaged and resilient, leave the GPS at home. Daring Greatly is all the navigation you’ll need.” (Maria Shriver, New York Times best-selling author)
Fulfillment and Exuberance
"Love Brene Brown, didn't like the narrator"
This is an amazing book. I have listened to and loved Brene Brown's other two books and they have been so helpful to me in my life. However, I don't like this narrator at all. I would have loved if Brene Brown had read all of her books herself because I like her voice and so much of this information includes her personal experiences. The narrator of the other two books wasn't as good as having Brene reading herself, but that narrator was much better than this one. However, the content of this book is fantastic so I am putting up with the less than desirable narration.
"Important information - painful narration"
I am listening to this book in 5-10 minute bursts. Brown's research and insights are super-interesting and powerful. But. The narrator is so syrupy and treacly that I had to take frequent breaks to shake off the sap...I am going to have to buy the print version of this book; I just can't handle the narration. How could the director of this production have allowed this? The book is ABOUT vulnerability-the words are powerful enough-straight-forward reading would have been appropriate. The narrator takes important insights into human chracter and makes it sound like a high school production of an episode of As the World Turns...bummer...
"Please let the author read her book!"
Fantastic content but poorly narrated.
I really enjoy Brene Brown's research but this book would have been enjoyable if not for the reader. She's a painful listen.
"HAD TO STOP BECAUSE THE NARRATION WAS SO BAD"
I knew this was going to be a good book, I kept listening to it and thinking "why is this so annoying to listen to?"
I thought it was the book, but then I realized the narrator is awful. She has this nagging condescending tone that literally drove me crazy, I stopped the book about 1/3 of the way through and couldn't finish it. Looks like this book won't get read or it will be on hard copy.
"Nice Point Overly Stated"
No. Mostly because it was unnecessarily long in my opinion. I get where she was going, but if you've read any of Brene Brown's other books, there's just so much repeat information. Not quite sure what made this one different for her. Unfortunately, the narration was so distracting that I couldn't get through the whole thing. Even so, a lot of times when I get a bad narration, I can usually tell if the text is worth it and I'll buy the ebook. I don't feel compelled to do that this time.
The repetition of themes and information from her other books. I felt like it was just another book about shame. Also it came off as a little self-righteous at times, but I couldn't tell if that was the words or the narration.
This narrator was trying way too hard to get across what was already in the words. She sounded so forced - like she was trying to give it so much emotion. The book already has that tone, very emotional and heartfelt, so the narrator just over did it. She also made the author sound self-righteous in a lot of parts due to her tone. Particularly when the author talked about moments where she felt shocked or saddened by another's reactions. If she'd pulled back and let it flow naturally it would have been much better.
"Narrator ruins good book content."
Sadly, I can't answer because I had to stop listening. I think this book contains relevant observations about society today. However, I'm going to have to go purchase a hard copy. The reader approaches this content with drama and emotion that is completely inappropriate. This is non-fiction and should be read that way.
Any number of simple even-speaking narrators would have been fine. Perhaps even Ms. White could be fine if someone had given her the feedback to rein in (!) the syrupy emotional delivery.
"Great Help!"
My first audio self-help book, and it is amazing.
The author is certainly a character - one I want to emulate.
NA - though I thought her reading did not allow for the real humor of the author to shine through - it was too "deadpan." No emotion, so it really sucked the life out of the book.
Yes, though not possible - and I really think listening to this book in increments allows more reflection and thought.
I'll be purchasing this author's other two books. I am not a self-help book junkie so I was really amazed at how relevant this book is - and I'll listen over and over.
"Valuable New Viewpoint"
Steady. But as I listened to the book I constantly found myself repeating what was said as I imagine Brene Brown would say it. With Brene's voice in my head, many places were funny; not so with the recording. Really wish Brene had been the narrator of the audio recording.
Very interesting reading - and she has the research to back up her view point. I really got how disfunctional it is to shame someone, and to look at times when I've felt shamed - to move beyond that. Highly recommend the book.
"Great message, really painful narrator"
I find Brene Brown amazing and inspiring. I love her other books and the information she writes about has been a great help to me. And....I had to get this book in print because the narrator was very poorly suited for this amazing book and powerful message. I was so excited for this book to be released on audio, but I can't get through Karen White's just so darn sweet and melodramatic reading. I would buy this book again on audio if it was re-recorded with Brene as narrator, or the narrator from Brene's previous books.
Only if it's a Mary Higgins Clark Mystery
"Exceptional and inspirational"
Brene Brown's latest book on vulnerability, leadership, and living covers science, anecdotes, and insight in easy to understand and entertaining text.
This audio book suffers only from the narrator, who reads at good speed and emphasis, but has a high rasp in her voice that I found irritating. Not a fatal flaw because the content is so good. I recommend this audiobook.