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  • The Book of Awakening

  • Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have
  • Written by: Mark Nepo
  • Narrated by: Mark Nepo
  • Length: 17 hrs and 26 mins
  • 3.0 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)

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The Book of Awakening

Written by: Mark Nepo
Narrated by: Mark Nepo
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Publisher's Summary

The Book of Awakening, by poet and teacher Mark Nepo, provides small doses of what really matters, simple truths and stories from everyday lives, plus inspiration from the great wisdom traditions. Each day’s entry is accompanied by simple, yet profound, practices designed to help us live the life we want by being present to the life we have. For, in the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “You are that which you are seeking.”

A daily guide for authentic living in hard times, The Book of Awakening is a book to keep your head high, your heart open, and your feet on the ground. “It is true,” Nepo writes, “If you can’t see what you’re looking for, see what’s there. It is enough".

©2000 Mark Nepo (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

What the critics say

“A year’s supply of inspiration every day and the perfect gift for yourself and your friends.” (Oprah Winfrey)
“Mark Nepo has written a beautiful book about life, informed by the shadows of death. I’ve been blessed and humbled by reading his words.” (Marianne Williamson)
“Each entry in this capacious and tender daybook widens both the eyes and the heart.” (Jane Hirschfield, author of Nine Gates and After)

What listeners say about The Book of Awakening

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So cheesy, syrupy, just ick

I’m sure this book is full of good life lessons, but the syrupy narration and writing style is nauseating. I couldn’t make it past the first chapter.

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2 people found this helpful

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Not a great format for audio

This is a one day at a time meditation book, listening as an audiobook is just annoying. Nice writing but doesn’t work this way

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1 person found this helpful

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Everyone needs to listen to this audiobook!

After listening to super soul conversations by Oprah and listening to her talk about this book, I now I’m understand why it’s on her top spiritual books list!

If you’re going through an awakening this is the book for you! It’s also a perfect reminder of the life that we have.

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  • Stellar Addla
  • 2012-04-20

I wish someone besides the author were performing.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, it's time well spent...though I wish I were reading it instead of listening to it.

What other book might you compare The Book of Awakening to and why?

Reminded me a bit of a daily wisdom book I like by Hugh Prather.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Mark Nepo?

Anyone who could make it sound more conversational. His delivery is so Jack Handy on a sugar buzz I have a hard time actually hearing what he's saying. I wish I'd bought the book to read instead of listen.

Did The Book of Awakening inspire you to do anything?

Yes. It is well written, full of wisdom.

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25 people found this helpful

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  • Gloria
  • 2012-06-16

Fantastic!

Any additional comments?

I am not sure what I was expecting from this audiobook but it certainly wasn't what I found... I started listening to it and after the first 10 minutes I was about to turn the thing off and write this purchase off. I am so glad I didn't!! I stuck to it and found... revelation! Every day a story, a quote, a fable... every day the going deeper into the meaning of those... and every day a message, a lesson, a knowledge that cuts through the barriers and goes straight to your heart.

There are so many jewels in this audio book! They are small and clear and bright... things that, after you listen to them, you know you already knew them but for some reason you were never aware of the knowing. Beautifully narrated by the author and so inspirational that temporarily made a poet out of me.

I really recommend this book!

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22 people found this helpful

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  • Danielle
  • 2016-07-11

Great book if you're into Poetry

Would you try another book from Mark Nepo and/or Mark Nepo?

No, not an audible book read by the author. NO!

Has The Book of Awakening turned you off from other books in this genre?

No...it is because I read mostly within this genre that I chose this book.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He reads like a poet. It's less about awakening and more about a poetic sensibility on the subject.Not my cup of tea.

Did The Book of Awakening inspire you to do anything?

Yes. I am inspired to buy no more 'read by the author' Mark Nepo books.

Any additional comments?

This is one of the least interesting audible reads I've experienced in my 5 years on Audible and my 250+ books purchased. LEAST!

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14 people found this helpful

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  • B. Walter Finn
  • 2016-01-24

Awakening, as told by a sloth

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The narrator is soooooo lethargic. I did not know whether to fall asleep or jump off a bridge.

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10 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2014-12-31

wonderful daily inspiration

I have used this book for my daily inspiration for several years and will continue that practice into the new year.

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4 people found this helpful

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  • Steve Barker
  • 2017-12-31

Daily Vitality

Mark Nepo has written a book that I have enjoyed every day for a year. The inspirations provided through his observations and meditations are timeless and timely. I plan on re-listening through the next year.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2023-01-07

pretty nice for synchronicity practice

not bad metaphors and poetry, pretty spiritual analogies and a pleasant voice. very poetic and full if meditations.

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  • Kari Stevens
  • 2019-05-10

Great Resource!

Touching! Glad to have taken the journey with Nepo. Will revisit again I’m certain. ❤️ Soulful

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  • MELODY J. LEMESURIER
  • 2018-03-22

Amazing insights every day!

I rushed through it, listening to 4-5 everyday while walking my dogs.
I now plan to start over and listen to the daily one as I start my meditation (of which will be new to me) This book opened my mind, and spirit to so many things overlooked otherwise.
Mark put his heart into not only writing but also reading each part. Thank you

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  • John Robinson
  • 2017-10-16

Wisdom Stories for Your Way

I really appreciate the hard won wisdom Mark Nepo shares in this book, and the way he helps us absorb it. His teachings and reflections are like a meditation helping to ground us and connect us to our deeper truths.

I recommend reading this one entry each day rather than straight through. This gives you a chance to digest a lesson at a time, giving each seed the best chance to take root in you.

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