A General Theory of Love

By: Richard Lannon MD, Thomas Lewis MD, Fari Amini MD

Narrated by: Chris Sorensen

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

This original and lucid account of the complexities of love and its essential role in human well-being draws on the latest scientific research. Three eminent psychiatrists tackle the difficult task of reconciling what artists and thinkers have known for thousands of years about the human heart with what has only recently been learned about the primitive functions of the human brain.

A General Theory of Love demonstrates that our nervous systems are not self-contained: from earliest childhood, our brains actually link with those of the people close to us, in a silent rhythm that alters the very structure of our brains, establishes life-long emotional patterns, and makes us, in large part, who we are. Explaining how relationships function, how parents shape their child's developing self, how psychotherapy really works, and how our society dangerously flouts essential emotional laws, this is a work of rare passion and eloquence that will forever change the way you think about human intimacy.

©2000 T. Lewis, F. Amini, and R. Lannon (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Three psychiatry professors cover an impressive vista of research and clinical insights from Freud to contemporary neuroscience...the book is well written and provides a credible introduction to the neuroscience of emotions." ( Library Journal)

Great subject matter-hard to listen to

This is a book that probably needs to be read vs listened to. The vocab is pretty advanced of you’re casually listening in the car or doing other things. It required a lot of focus and going back several times to catch things.
In addition, the narrator’s vocal style and pattern I found incredibly grating, so I didn’t *want* to listen on a certain level, which is unfortunate because the subject matter is fascinating. I just think this is the kind of book that’s better to read.

The information is phenominal

The narrator however, sounds like a cynical, sarcastic robot and its a little hard to follow.

Narration is so very terrible

I cannot tell you whether this book is bad or good because I cannot listen to it. I’ve tried several times, but the narration is just really, terribly difficult to listen to. It’s the cadence. I wish I could return this audiobook.

Way too wordy

I was told this is a must read. It’s a must read for a college going psychology student or scientist working on human emotions and physiology.

Might be better to read

I couldn’t get passed the 2nd chapter because I can’t stand the reader’s voice and tone. I’m sure it will be a great book to read on my own!!

one of only a few books i would prefer in print.

narrator's accent: boo. Many new words i would've preferred to read to learn spellings of.

Mixed opinions

The content was interesting, but the delivery was disappointing. The authors' writing style is overly verbose, full of analogies and unnecessary phrases that quickly become distracting. Additionally, the audiobook narration was monotonous and unengaging. This one was not for me.

Great content, okay narration

They narration was a little hard to follow for me personally. The contents of the book though - really crucial information that everyone should know and have access to! I also wish the book was written in more accessible vocabulary so it could reach a wider audience!

Enjoyed book not narrator

Really enjoyed the substance of the book. Very insightful and easy to understand. Found the narrator to be robotic and mechanical. I almost thought it was a computer reading it. Somewhat sing songy. Would have enjoyed a warmer deeper, more emotional voice.

A Horribly Written Book

This book had amazing content and does a profoundly thorough job of explaining that which we all seek to know ... what is love, and more importantly, why it is critical to survive and thrive as a human. That is why I rated it five stars. Unfortunately, it is turgidly written in plundering prose, a potential barrier to those that most need it ... those who have suffered from the trauma of poor parental and other relationships while growing up, and the associated suboptimal limbic brain development. Per the book's hypothesis, these people may well have challenges in life, including learning, such that the word salad that envelops the main messaging could be a high barrier to many from gleaning its benefits. Recommend the next edition be written in the language of the people, vice that of arrogant academics.