Jonathan Livingston Seagull: The New Complete Edition

By: Richard Bach

Narrated by: Marcus Lovett

Length: 1 hr and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Now, for the first time ever, a new complete edition audiobook original of the timeless classic by Richard Bach. This is the story for people who follow their hearts and make their own rules, people who know there's more to this living than meets the eye: they'll be right there with Jonathan, flying higher and faster than they ever dreamed. Read by Marcus Lovett. Music composed by Ken Miller.

©1970, 2014 JLS, Inc. (P)2017 JLS, Inc.

Wow

I had no clue what this book was about when I began. It was recommended to me by a YouTuber names Nathaniel Drew and luckily he gave no indication about what the story was. I am floored by this masterpiece and I am going to order a physical copy to read again and give to others.

Very inspiring...

This is one of the Kobe Bryant's favorite books.
And it's just remarkable how narrator delivers the message.

absolutely wonderful

this book was recommended to me a while now and am so happy I got to it. the audio performance aids in painting a great mental picture and building excitement. the lessons then just held on and o found myself smiling many times.

great book ! I think it'll be good for very young person's as well. early start.

Simple story —. Powerful message.

What an incredible story. So simple and yet so meaningful. We are our limitations, nothing more...nothing less.

Love the new version!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Jonathan Livingston Seagull: The New Complete Edition to be better than the print version?

Yes...the music and narration is amazing. Jonathan is reborn.

What other book might you compare Jonathan Livingston Seagull: The New Complete Edition to and why?

There is no comparison. Loved it in the 70's and love it more now ...even the new chapter!!!

Which character – as performed by Marcus Lovett – was your favorite?

Jonathan is my favorite character.... A great overall read by Mr Lovett. I felt like he was in the room reading it to me.... The music by Mr Miller just added so much emotion to the story. Mr Bach's words were ....and still are just profound!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story always made me feel, think and cry. This audio version just added so much depth to the story. Tissues anyone???

Any additional comments?

Thank you Richard Bach for your words. Jonathan touched and captured my heart in the 70's and still does! I love the new chapter it gave me more to think about. The struggle for Jonathan is still all of our struggles and is timeless. Who hasn't felt the flock's pressures? We needed this book in the 70's and I think we need it now. I hope Jonathan finds his way to a new generation....who could use Jonathan's life lessons.

it was alright but not as good as the original,

It is not as good as the original, and was disappointed because I thought I was getting the original when I purchased it.

SERIOUSLY???

I have literally heard about this book my entire life, at 45 years old and I finally decided to read it. This may have been the worst book I’ve ever “read”, EVER!

I cannot believe that this is marketed to kids! This basically teaches that Heaven isn’t real, that reincarnation is, and that the entire goal of life is to be “PERFECT”. It talks about characters contemplating suicide, but deciding it’s OK to live because living gives you a chance to practice on being perfect. YUCK! NO THANK YOU!!! What a waste of time and money!! So disappointed!

Wow...just wow

This book is absolutely incredible. I cried multiple times. Highly highly recommend anyone and everyone to read this book.

it says optional.

loved it!

it says optional!!! kiss me where the sun doesn't shine!!!
God bless u.
u need help.

quite a spectacular read. it really hits the soul.

its one of those books that you think about getting but aren't sure. let me tell you, be sure. its worth it. if you Havnt read it it will make your week. verry real feel to it. you can hear it in nature. it will enduce meditation.

The only true law is that which leads to freedom

Beautiful, positive, inspirational and new age but not deluded in magical thinking just an incentive to achieve your best through knowledge, a perfect read when you need a pull me up.

In the seventies, the influence of Indian mysticism and Buddhism were mixed up into all popular forms and motivated much change in the west, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull is one of the few examples of it in literature that sill moves some into that inspirational moment where Samsara and nirvana are achievable through the belief in oneself and the power of learning, to expect it to be a perfect deep book would be unfair, just enjoy it for making you feel hope.

This version of the book has one extra part that speaks of the negativity of dogma and the creation of idolatry as stifling of the spirit of freedom, and how that brings a form of nihilism on the young. I suspect Richard Bach had to amend his positivity in the individual and point out the natural pressures created by society and present them as a warning, I guess we all grow up.

A great book ruined

I live this book, and downloaded it for my girlfriend who hasn’t read it to listen to together. Sadly it’s been trampled by the “self-help” brigade. The narration is smug yet pedestrian, but what really kills it is the use of music. The piano is completely distracting, creates the wrong feel and doesn’t even fit in many instances. I thought it was there as an intro, but no it goes on and on. Just awful. Had to stop after 20mins because it just wound me up (which is presumably the opposite of the intention). Avoid.

Too much noise in the channel...

When I download an audiobook I want to listen to speech. I want to attend to the words the writer wrote. Listening is a skill and as such is an active process. I didn't welcome its poor narration, the manipulative music or dull witted sound (noise) effects of seagulls. Sadly the Audible book has all three. The book was not published with noise effects or tinkly piano music. What a great shame this version didn't just keep to the words of the story. Was I suppose to listen to the words, the music, or the sound of seagulls? Dunno. To use a marketing term - for me there was too much noise in the channel. Maybe Audible titles might come with music and/or 'noise effects' warnings for those of us who want just the speech.

I wanted to revisit this book in order to figure out what zeitgeist Richard Bach seized and why this book was so popular in the early 1970s. I gave up after less than five minutes when I realised - by skimming through it - that the piano music was not going to away.

I'm glad to read that other reviewers enjoyed their experience. I'll read their reviews instead.

Lovely comforting story

This story has supported me since my Brothers death. He gave me a copy when I was a teenager and tried to explain it to me. After his death some 40 years later it's what I turn to time and again and it settles me. To me it's a story of struggling to reach your dreams, not letting your limitations get in the way and it's a story of love.

outstanding

one of the most moving, inspirational books and audio books I've ever been blessed to enjoy.

One of my favs

Been one of my favourite books for years so thought I'd give this version a go and the narration is brilliant. Really adds to the story!

abundance

A beautiful story about the process of abundance and living abundant life ♡ ☆ ♡

Essential reading.

A lovely story about rethinking life and concentrating on what is important to you rather than following the crowd.

really interesting parable for life

about daring to dream and then working aggressively towards it and how that might make you an outcast. until you succeed

Interesting

listening to this story,it amazes me, how Jonathan Livingston Seagull had the determination in life.