The Enchanted Hour

The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction

By: Meghan Cox Gurdon

Narrated by: Meghan Cox Gurdon

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

A Wall Street Journal writer’s conversation-changing look at how reading aloud makes adults and children smarter, happier, healthier, more successful, and more closely attached, even as technology pulls in the other direction.

A miraculous alchemy occurs when one person reads to another, transforming the simple stuff of a book, a voice, and a bit of time into complex and powerful fuel for the heart, brain, and imagination. Grounded in the latest neuroscience and behavioral research, and drawing widely from literature, The Enchanted Hour explains the dazzling cognitive and social-emotional benefits that await children, whatever their class, nationality, or family background. But it’s not just about bedtime stories for little kids: Reading aloud consoles, uplifts, and invigorates at every age, deepening the intellectual lives and emotional well-being of teenagers and adults, too.

Meghan Cox Gurdon argues this ancient practice is a fast-working antidote to the fractured attention spans, atomized families, and unfulfilling ephemera of the tech era, helping to replenish what our devices are leaching away. For everyone, reading aloud engages the mind in complex narratives; for children, it’s an irreplaceable gift that builds vocabulary, fosters imagination, and kindles a lifelong appreciation of language, stories, and pictures.

Bringing together the latest scientific research, practical tips, and reading recommendations, The Enchanted Hour will both charm and galvanize, inspiring listeners to share this invaluable, life-altering tradition with the people they love most.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio

©2019 Meghan Cox Gurdon (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

advice to take to heart

this was a pleasure to listen to. at first all I felt was guilt that I wasn't reading more to my kids. but I decided that I was fine and could start where I am and to not give myself a hard time. Chapter 9 was ever better in calming my fears cause that is where the author gives the reader advice and encouragement for reading to your kids no matter how old they are.

LOVE THIS BOOK

This was an absolutely wonderful book full of valuable and loving information! I think this book is for everyone, not just those with children.

So encouraging

I’ve been homeschooling for 17 years, to say I hit times of burnout goes without saying!!! This is just what I needed to remind me of why I do what I do and encouraged me to pick the books up AGAIN and read aloud. I’ve seen the benefit and reaped the fruit in the past...why did I ever quit!!!

Not much new information/awkward fake accents

If you’re listening to this book you probably already care deeply about reading aloud and know most of the statistics covered in the book. There isn’t much in the way of new ideas or information. The author, when quoting researchers, puts on fake Indian and British accents which is just awkward and makes you cringe. The Read Aloud Handbook is superior to this book.

All the Feels for The Enchanted Hour

As a mom who read aloud when my sons were younger, as a teacher and grandmother today who grabs every read aloud moment possible, this book was balm to my soul in this distracted cluttered age in which we live. There is far more to this book than I ever dreamed possible. I listened to the Audible while painting rooms in my house. I loved it so much, I ordered the physical book.

Critically important book

Finished in two sittings where time vanished. Brought to tears several times. Excellent message that's never too late to apply.

Loved it!

I think All people should be required to read this gem. Highly recommended The Enchanted Hour.

A wonderful book!

Loved this book! Have already recommended it. I have always read to my daughter but hearing all the research on the benefits of reading aloud is just wonderful!

Just okay

I greatly appreciate the subject matter but I really struggled to get through this book. It just wasn't particularly engaging and seemed quite repetitive.

Wish there were a sequel!

Love this book! Have bought 3 copies for myself and gifts. Ir will be a new classic to replace The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. Every parent should put down electric devices and read with the family. All ages can enjoy literature read aloud to the family.