Living Between Worlds

Finding Personal Resilience in Changing Times

By: James Hollis PhD

Narrated by: Michael Cover

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

What guides us when our world is changing? Discover the path to deeper meaning and purpose through depth psychology and classical thought.

How did we get to this crossroads in history? And will we make it through - individually and as a species? “We all assumed that learning, rationality, and good intentions would prove enough to bring us to the promised land,” says Dr. James Hollis. “But they haven’t and won’t. Yet what we also do not recognize sufficiently is that this human animal is equipped for survival. In time, as we have seen of life’s other insolubles, we grow large enough to contain what threatened to destroy us.”

Hollis’ students know him as a penetrating thinker who brings profound insight and sophistication to the inner journey. In Living Between Worlds, he broadens his lens to encompass the relationship between our inner struggles and the rapidly shifting realities of modern human existence. You will learn to invoke the tools of depth psychology, classical literature, philosophy, dreamwork, and myth to gain access to the resources that supported our ancestors through their darkest hours. Through these paths of inner exploration, you will access your “locus of knowing” - an inner wellspring of deep resilience beyond the ego, always available to guide you back to the imperatives of your soul.

Though many of the challenges of our times are unique, the path through for us personally and collectively will always rely on our measureless capacity for creativity, wisdom, and connection to a reality larger than ourselves. Here, you will find no easy answers or pat reassurances. Yet as you listen to Living Between Worlds, you will encounter causes for hope. “We can find what supports us when nothing supports us,” Hollis teaches. “By bearing the unbearable, we go through the desert to arrive at a nurturing oasis we did not know was there.”

©2020 James Hollis, PhD (P)2020 Sounds True

A book of knowledge or a book of experience

For a book from a prolific author like Dr. Hollis, it is easy to compare this book with his previous ones. So, in terms of gaining more knowledge, I was disappointed as I have read many of his previous works. It has the same theme and same ideas, though he did it from a different perspective of classic literature (with an interesting twist of modern-day politics). However, once I tried to listen to it for its healing experience, it did bring something enjoyable and energetic. It is like taking a shower. A shower itself is nothing new but you want it because it brings comfort every time you take it.

Interesting book, Woeful narration

An interesting book almost completely overshadowed by a woeful, lifeless and robotic narration. I almost didn't finish the book because of the awful reading of it by the narrator. I only finished the book out of respect for the author. I think I could have narrated this book better.

Follow the Thread to exit the Labyrinth!

James Hollis‘s latest book is a wonderful treat in these times of Covid.

Do you remember reading the Odyssey as a young person? What a fantastic voyage Odysseus had. Hollis‘s book describes the odyssey of our lives and our individual intent to find our home.

I remembered the Greek Myth of the boy following the string so he could get out of the Labyrinth alive. Rereading Ariadne’s Thread now and reading Hollis’ analysis is eye opening.

Hollis gently weaves solid Jungian thinking with the vast world of literature. Literature’s story telling as a companion guide to psychological introspection and Jungian individuation is brilliant.

On top of that richness is another gentle touch that reminds me of the Czech satirical dark comedy “The Good Soldier Švejk”. Hollis doesn’t mince his words about our current divisive political environments.

I enjoyed the audiobook and have the printed book as a companion. I’d recommend this book for those who have curious minds and are willing to explore their own psychological puzzles.

I give the book 5 stars as a genuinely valuable book to read.

Great book, too similar to previous books

I enjoyed this book but it was the 2nd I’ve listen too from this author and there are parts of the book that are basically copy pasted from his past book “the dark wood”. I still would recommend this book especially if you have never read a book by James Hollis

Encouragement to Live Fully

A valuable listen and an excellent synthesis of previous books which will aid me on my journey, and anyone else who resonates with the Jungian perspective.

Narrator

I read all of James Hollis's books. I stuck with this because of the content but it was a challenge due to the robotic voice of the narrator. I thought I could get past it but the effort was huge. Best to get the book and not listen to it.

Decent read

This was my first book from this author and I have to say that I’m not disappointed, I’ll be reading more books from him!

The Genius of Hollis

I recommend this book for anyone who's interested in expanding an understanding of life's meaning. James Hollis manages to express very large ideas simply and with infinite tenderness. He and his writing are a gift.

Robotic narration

I found the content excellent but it was very distractingly read. Sort of like a robot reading to a metronome with no real expression just endless perfect enunciation word by word by word. It’s amazing how that undermined the content.

“Listening” to Living Between the Worlds

True to form James Hollis does not disappoint in his writing. This book provides a rich perspective and summary of depth psychology. The disappointment is how the narrator sounds computerized with a bit of humanity, thus 1 star for performance. James Hollis voice is needed to convey the profound meaning behind the words. Although I am disappointed with the narration, I still recommend the work of James Hollis and this book does not disappoint.

Hollis utterly decimated by horrendous narration

I'm a huge fan of James Hollis. I've voraciously read and listened to all of his marvellous books but this one was just utterly appallingly narrated it became virtually impenetrable. The automated, near robotic voice of the narrator has no natural cadence, making it difficult to actually hear complete sentences when words are discombobulated into syllables strung together. Probably wiser to buy the book this time than have it ruined by the narrator.

Basically... brilliant. Where has this been all my life!

The vocab choice is a bit difficult to follow at times so admittedly some of the author’s meanings were not entirely understood by me, and that’s a shame. I am on my second listen and am making a note of the words to look them up. But essentially, the core messages were sufficiently conveyed and resonated to such an extent that I feel reassured that this book does successfully unearth the meaning of life, and where/how it is, that our ‘human condition’ causes our suffering, and how to heal/‘fix’ the pain.
Thank you very much !

Very helpful

I have found this book has helped inspire me to take a more proactive role in mediating the situations and routines of my life, especially during these troubling times, where complacency can easily take hold and run amok with our lives and, thus, the world with it.

beautiful advice and perspective for life

I loved this. it is very broad: addictions, love, spirituality, grief, getting through difficult times. perspectives on psychoanalysis, relating better to our inner voice. it is often very dense and I had to replay sections to really take it in. definitely going to stay with me for a long time

Classic Hollis

A deeply inspiring, troubling, and wonderful book. I missed James Hollis’s voice though, but all the details, wit, and wisdom are there in the words.