Walden

By: Henry David Thoreau

Narrated by: Mel Foster

Walden is the classic account of two years spent by Henry David Thoreau living at Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts. The story is detailed in its accounts of Thoreau's day-to-day activities, observations, and undertakings to survive out in the wilderness for two years.

Thoreau's journal is an exquisite account of a man seeking a more simple life by living in harmony with nature. In today's fast-paced consumer-driven society, the austere lifestyle endorsed by Thoreau is as relevant and refreshing as ever.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

interesting but interesting

I very much enjoyed the rich language of yore. the narration was somewhat monotone, but sufficed. i was trying to figure out why this was a classic. there was way too much fluff from the author regarding economy and costs of goods. I couldn't see the point in all of that all in all. I'm glad I read it and it was interesting to see a cross section of the life of a hermit in the mid eighteen hundreds.

The power of thought

The Power of common thought is awesome. Simple common sense is logical enough to make it's own case.

Men lead lives of quiet desperation — an epic of a recluse

A stentorian voice with even rhythm and steady impulse. A book that becomes only more and more relevant as time goes by post-industrialisation.

Thoreau discovers a way of living akin to Asian Zen Buddhists, focused on being present and oneself in existence.

Just don’t take Thoreau too seriously… he holds very strong and obstinate opinions and exalts his hermit experiences with so many frills that you’d think he was a character from Homer’s epics.

Reads a bit like a salty college graduate, but the underlying thoughts have undeniable value.

(I believe Chapter 9: The Ponds was cut off and we don’t have the final few paragraphs for it in the audiobook.)

Beautiful Imagery and a Timely Message

I would recommend this book to anyone facing a time of anxiety - a great way to ground oneself in their thoughts of what they deem important and why.

Classic

Well narrated and excellent insight from the author. In this material world, more people need to read this.