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  • Atlas of the Heart

  • Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
  • Written by: Brené Brown
  • Narrated by: Brené Brown
  • Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,793 ratings)

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Atlas of the Heart

Written by: Brené Brown
Narrated by: Brené Brown
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Publisher's Summary

Number one New York Times best seller

In her latest book, Brené Brown writes, “If we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our stories and to be stewards of the stories that we hear. This is the framework for meaningful connection.”

In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances - a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.

Over the past two decades, Brown’s extensive research into the experiences that make us who we are has shaped the cultural conversation and helped define what it means to be courageous with our lives. Atlas of the Heart draws on this research, as well as on Brown’s singular skills as a storyteller, to show us how accurately naming an experience doesn’t give the experience more power, it gives us the power of understanding, meaning, and choice.

Brown shares, “I want this book to be an atlas for all of us, because I believe that, with an adventurous heart and the right maps, we can travel anywhere and never fear losing ourselves.”

Includes a downloadable PDF of illustrations from the book 

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

©2021 Brené Brown (P)2021 Random House Audio

Featured Article: The Best Audiobooks of 2022 for All Your Listening Needs

The best audiobooks of 2022 are here! Check out our list and discover the very best audiobooks of 2022. You’re bound to find your next great listen here!

What listeners say about Atlas of the Heart

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Finding it Ironic

I have been a long time Brene Brown fan. I pre-ordered this book in great anticipation that it would be just as great as all of her other content. Before the audibook was released there was some Spotify drama, where Brene openly condemned misinformation, that truly is highly credentialed individuals sharing information that doesn't align with the mainstream narrative.

So yes, I found this book ironic. I gave the whole book a whole hearted listen, but I had my eyes bugging out of my head the vast majority of the time, due to the sheer irony.

Some highlights (obviously paraphrasing):
- "Science is not the truth. Science is finding the truth." 'When science changes, it didn't lie, it learned more'
- 'Shame & humiliation will never be effective social justice tools'
- Have the 'courage to stand alone, without being complicit of following the norm & shaming others to keep them quiet'
- Not to betray yourself in order to belong or fit in
- 'Narcissism is shame based fear'
- basic human rights involve not dehumanizing others or 'moral exclusion'
- hate fueled need for connection - a common enemy creates intimacy & a counterfeit bond
- destroy a target & discredit them for having differing beliefs/opinions
- we shouldn't be operating on morale outrage
- we shouldn't be letting pride get in the way
- Prestige - 'knowledge dominance obtained by force'
- 'what makes power dangerous is how it is used'
- narrative takedown OR tap-out - shutting people down when you experience discomfort or disinterest
- narrative distrust - diminishing humanity & others experiences [because it differs from your experience]

In the wise words of Brene Brown, "I'm here to get it right, not be right". So why discredit other sources just because it is counter to the narrative? Don't we want to learn & evolve from science & new knowledge? Don't we want others to have the opportunity for their voices to be heard? To approach all things in life with an open mind, rather than ego?

I had a really hard time with this book, because in my opinion, it is hypocritical. Brene speaks as someone who is consciously evolved, but is willing to join a bandwagon of cancel culture. I will not be purchasing or participating in any further Brene Brown content. You can talk the talk, but you need to walk the walk.

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39 people found this helpful

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Just What I Needed in a Difficult Time

This was originally supposed to come out late last year and when I bought it, I didn't realize the release date was changed to February 2022. I was slightly annoyed that I had used my credit for the month but in hindsight it was perfect. I got this book in a time in my life when I have never felt such hurt and emotional pain. This book helped me understand and articulate my emotions in a way I could not only process them but also communicate them. I will forever be grateful to Brene Brown for her work. It has been life changing for me.

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Grateful

I am so very grateful I chose to listen to the Audible version because Brene has really enhanced the experience, making me feel like we were walking through the experience together. I may have to listen to it again to really GET everything. Or also buy the book to highlight it and make notes.

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Excellent!!

loved it! so much so I want to listen/read again! so many ah ha moments and take home points. should be required reading for any mental health based specialty.

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Packed full

This book is full of sooooo much information. I listened once and let it wash over me and now as I am on the second time around I am picking up some really useful stuff.
I enjoy Brene’s voice, humor and approach to sharing her finding. I think I will be listening to this book regularly. Thank you.

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Amazing!!!!!

I love Brené Brown and she makes learning so easy. She is amazing to listen to. I bought the book as well as there are so many good materials to refer to.

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Enlightening!

Absolutely loved this book and listening to Brene narrate it made even that much better! The ah-ha moments were endless. Definitely one that I will listen to several times over.

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Amazing!

Read the hard copy. It is amazing. The audio version though…. Superb. So well done! Thank you for all of your work

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Like A Cup of Tea With a Good Friend

Always find Brene Brown’s research enlightening and her style of presenting it inspiring. In her unique self-narration she shares stories not available in the print version and has a way of making you feel so at home.

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1 person found this helpful

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Definitely going to revisit it!

Really loved it! So many relatable stories and I look forward to reading the book!

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  • Mandy
  • 2022-02-16

Perfect

This is the first audiobook I’ve listened to where the author/narrator recognized that listening to a book is not the same as reading. Dr Brown repeated several passages so the listener could really grasp what she was saying. I loved that so much. Thank you for doing such wonderful work

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  • R.Cookie
  • 2022-02-17

Wish more authors would present audiobooks like Brene

I haven’t finished listening to this book yet, but wanted to write a review to encourage others to join this audiobook experience because, in addition to the great content, it’s the best audiobook I’ve listened to. I did a deep dive into Dr. Brown’s work over the last month and have listened to four of her audiobooks and many podcasts. They keep getting better. What I really enjoy about this book is that Brene—an audiobook listener herself—stops and rereads sections to connect the text for understanding for those of us who (like me) are walking, biking, cooking, etc., while they listen. It’s effective for me, and I’m really enjoying the experience, especially the little extra comments and reflections she inserts. Thank you, Brene, and great job presenting your audiobook as a conversational learning experience for listeners.

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  • MK
  • 2022-02-27

Disappointed

Brene Brown has helped me navigate some awfully difficult times in life. In some ways I feel indebted to her research and writing. However, this book kinda felt like a bad counseling session. Somewhere along the line Brene has found enough justification to insert her political ideology into her writing. I found it
So strange that she was willing to join the public pile-on for people who deviate from the mainstream narrative. After all, aren’t we all here to grow and be better to each other in love and sacrifice? Is there room to accept people who hold different ideals? I hope in the future that Brene does not use her research as a weapon to divide but to redeem and unite.

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  • jasdeep Kaur
  • 2022-02-16

Librarian-Approved

As a college librarian that teaches information literacy, I am so grateful to Brené Brown for citing where she’s getting her information. In a world of misinformation and disinformation, I applaud and am grateful to her weaving in her storytelling with showing her references. Oh, and teaching me to name my feelings and shit. Love you, Brené.

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  • LIZDVM
  • 2022-02-16

If you have ever felt any emotion this book is a MUST***

Brene Brown
Offers a spell binding journey through the plethora of emotions that we all experience. She holds our hand and encourages us to go to the best and scariest places,continuously reminding us WE CAN DO THIS. She reassured us we will all be better off. The prize is authentic connection and a deeper experience of Love with ourselves and all others.

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  • DF
  • 2022-02-19

The etymology of emotion is laid out with perfect grace and detail. I finally have the words…

Brené Brown has been a driving force for positive change in my life since 2014. I would dare to say she is THE conversation starter/leader for the catalytic power of vulnerability, shame, and connection in the lives of diverse, yet uniquely similar, humans worldwide. I will be forever grateful for the words to express things I have longed to say for years. These words have validated my feelings and brought meaning to confusing situations and emotions, and best of all — they help me make sense of myself and my relationships. I highly recommend this book

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  • Bruno S.
  • 2022-02-18

Enjoyably self confronting master piece

I wish it was an international requirement for every household to have a copy of this book. It helps to re-educate myself and encourage others to do the same to better understand oneself and our behaviors towards each other. A true guide to re-define and dissect terminology regarding emotions and feelings, that will help to make each encounter and interaction with oneself and others more meaningful, effective, and purposeful.
It is so much more engaging when the author narrates his/her own story. Thanks for sharing you!

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  • MP
  • 2022-02-18

Audio is the way to go for Atlas of the Heart!

The way Brené Brown narrates brings life. Her voice communicates - I far prefer her narration to reading her books. She made this an engaging book.

Atlas of the Heart covers emotions. For me, every minute of it evokes feelings. She eases the listener into an openness to others' true feelings, and this will improve the quality of one's life, I believe.

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  • C.R.
  • 2022-03-03

Let me read this again.....

I think this book would be half as long if she didn't repeat every other sentence, I could just go back 30 seconds if I wanted to re-hear what you just said. I am having a hard time getting through this one, I'm only on chapter 4 and wildly irritated about having to listen to repeat sentences.

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  • kim
  • 2022-02-25

Meh

Love Brene's work,not so much this. Sigh.
I'm a licensed professional counselor, work in private practice with sophisticated smart, strong, emotionally savvy people, and I am a complete audible addict and psych nerd. While I am indebted to Brene, and found parts of this book funny and helpful and quintessentially Brene, I was annoyed and agitated through much of atlas of the heart. I found it rambling and condescending and greedy. Her use of three
words,examples, or definitions,made my skin crawl, and this new thing she does where she repeats what she saying? No, please stop. The book should be an eight hour continuing education opportunity for counselors and life coaches. It felt way too insider for me and even I was not interested in teasing apart many of the definitions brought forward in the book. I'm going to go back and reread Dare to Lead and go back to loving Brene.

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  • Mohammed AlBuraiki
  • 2023-01-23

A 360 view on emotions

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. There were many gems and great quotes that Brene shared. Her narration of the book made it alive. I'm already recommending the book to friends!

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  • S.A
  • 2022-10-11

You’ll probably won’t learn anything useful in this book.

It’s a literally a encyclopedia for emotions. You could just open the dictionary and you would find the definitions yourself instead of buying this book and wasting a week listening to it.

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