The Prophet

By: Khalil Gibrán

Narrated by: Jonathan Reese

Length: 2 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Kahlil Gibran - poet, philosopher, and artist - was born in Lebanon in 1883 but spent his final 20 years of life living in the United States. The three books that compose this audiobook are collections of Gibran's aphorisms, parables, and poetic essays.

The first book, The Prophet, was originally published in 1923 and is considered Gibran's masterpiece. It is written in prose poetry in 28 parts, and deals with such topics as love, freedom, good and evil, religion, and death. It is a mystical and intensely subjective work, presenting the human soul as essentially noble and good.

In The Forerunner, originally published in 1920, Gibran asserts that "Nobody is to be blamed for our 'being' and 'having' but ourselves." Gibran makes it clear that we are our own destiny and not the toy of a blind fate.

Finally, the titular entity of The Madman, originally published in 1918, is not literally mentally unbalanced; on the contrary, he is perfectly healthy. His madness is only in the eyes of others. Gibran asserts that we tend to be what society expects from us, even though these expectations could be detrimental for the development of our self-identity. Oftentimes, we veil our true selves with masks out of fear of being ridiculed by others.

©1923 Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

/Good but could be better

The Prophet is wonderful, as always. It is beautifully written and makes your soul feel better reading it.
Having said that, the narration is somewhat lacking. There's something about the narration that murmurs s, "Sleep. Sleep now," until you can't resist. Otherwise, its great, and even with the lack luster vocals, it's still well worth the credit.

To revisit again and again

It is slow, but if you have patience and hear the stories a few times, you will love this book.
Many stories don't make sense at the beginning, some don't make sense at all.
Relax and enjoy good philosophy.

Just so awe inspiring and a top classic.

Okay I am being biased here but I must be truthful, this is the BOOK to have 2 copies of (for yourself), audio versions and electronic version too.I treasure this book since I first came across it 26 years ago, have given 5 copies away as gifts and now will give 2 copies to my kids.I adore this book and never tire of it, i love it and now can listen to it.Buy it, read it or listen to it and it resonates with your heart.A simple language of love and insight about the virtuous of being a human.!

My favorite!

Narrator Jonatan Reese is soothing and has a very calming effect. I listen to it often for reassurance!