Walden

By: Henry David Thoreau

Narrated by: Mel Foster

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

Problem with editing

Although this is generally a good reading of this classic work, I must point out that there is a problem with the way the book has been divided into 2 parts. The end of Chapter 9 has been cut off at the end of Part One. Part Two begins with Chapter 10. Thus someone has made an error and left out a portion of the reading, because the reader is cut off in mid-sentence at the end of Part One.

Narrator sounds as if he’s badly in need of a nap.

Thoreau deserves better than this narration. His message is important, I think, but I could not listen to this lazy, bored narrator.

Pioneer of “Minimalism”

Thought it might be boring but turned out to be a peaceful piece. Thoreau let me to have a good glimpse of what’s like to live in nature. In the a fast paced and materialistic world, it’s very calming to listen to the book and learn to reduce my desires. Too bad Audiobook didn’t correct the glitch of what has reported by other listeners. I chose this version over the other free version in the Plus Catalog because I didn’t like the voice of the reader of the other available one. Disappointed that the problem of cutting off in Chapter 10 or 11 was not corrected.

Stopped Working

A glitch in reading occurs around Chapter 11. I would avoid this version—unless you enjoy talking to customer service.

Missing portions

Um there were some pages cut from some of the chapters. I have read this 3 times and love it every time. A mountain of things should not be the definition of happiness. Walden shares that idea with the reader and offers another idea of how to live.

Early American Beatnik

This is excellent material for the adolescent nonconformist. The language and diction is rather dated, but I got accustomed to it. The reader's style is a believable facsimile of Thoreau himself perhaps, but is a touch clunky and professorial. Great slice-of-life ruminations from an early bohemian living by a deep pond in New England.

Excellent narration

I sampled a number of audio books of Walden before choosing this one. The narrator does an excellent job of consistently nailing the prose of the author. Very easy to listen to. Does not come across as acting or attempting to fit the period. I’ll come back to this audio book again in the future.

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.

Quality time by the pond with a good thinker

Especially in our times, more and more people they long to detach themselves, to just let go of the rat race for a while, and, of course, to detox from technology. What Henry David Thoreau did more than 150 years ago feels quaint - but his thoughts from back then resonate, if anything, even more strongly today.

He built a cabin in the woods, by Walden pond. And some of what you'll read is about growing beans and some such - but he often also ruminates about life, about nature, about people, about behaviors and conventions, about wants and needs. I have to admit, while I had the physical book at home, I got stuck and didn't continue. It's sluggish at times, true enough. But I then took the Audible route and had a thoroughly enjoyable experience, as it felt like Thoreau himself was simply telling me about his time and his thoughts.

good book, bad version as it's not complete

there's an error, still hasn't been fixed. idk how good the audible customer service is but I suppose I'll find out