A Pretty Good Book, Not a Great Audiobook

The book gives a decent overview of the Enneagram, its history, and its implications. The overview of each of the nine identity structure types, however, was wanting. It’s as if the author assumes the reader already knows quite a bit about the enneagram. As is unfortunately often the case with modern Christian literature, the same point was made repeatedly with slightly different wording. It didn’t help that the author repeated words and phrases throughout, an issue only amplified by the biggest problem with this audiobook: the narrator.
The narrator’s attempt to convey the author’s meaning with his voice was absolutely horrible. His inflection made it difficult to tell when one sentence ended and the next began. His whispery emphasis on unimportant words distracted from the point of a sentence. I found myself repeatedly going back and listening to entire sections over after realizing that the way it was narrated is not how it should have been read.
Overall, I would not recommend this audiobook. I would only recommend the physical book to those who have not first looked at more established places for information on the Enneagram and its application in our spiritual and personal development (Richard Rohr, the Enneagram Institute, to name a couple).

23 people found this helpful

Assumes prior Enneagram knowledge.

Narration was kinda monotone, but good content. Unless you already have a working understanding of the Enneagram, don't read it as it builds on prior knowledge. Would recommend "The Road Back to You" by Suzanne Stabile and Ian Cron as a great intro to the Enneagram.

6 people found this helpful

Disappointed

I was really excited about listening to this book but unfortunately it didn’t deliver. Several times throughout I found myself thinking “get on with it already.” He did a lot of meandering and the entire book read like an introduction to something more substantive that never materalized. I kept listening long after I wanted to because I kept thinking surely the more specific material that explained how was on its way. I gave it 3 stars because there were a couple times where he actually got out of his own way & provided some enlightening information.

5 people found this helpful

No accompanying documents!

This book is tough to understand because it explains a visual concept without any diagrams or pictures. I am still unsure about many of the thoughts and ideas because I don't fully grasp what they are. Also, I have some reservations about the ”Sacredness" of the Enneagram. This was the first book I have ever read the book topic I recommend starting with a different book if this is your first time learning about the Enneagram. However, if you are already familiar with the topic, this is probably an excellent book for you.

5 people found this helpful

Religious not spiritual

Between quoting scriptures, speaking about God, sin and prayer - for me this book was based in Christianity not spirituality. Great narration though and it might me amazing for those looking for personality traits within religious context.

3 people found this helpful

Get the physical book

Chris Heuertz is incredibly passionate about the Enneagram but that does not come through the narrator in the audiobook. This book is more advanced learning about the Enneagram so if you’re new to it,
I’d suggest learning more before reading/listening to this book. Chris discusses each type in the Sleeping at Last podcasts - they’re worth looking into if you want to hear descriptions from him.

3 people found this helpful

Struggled to find enneagram type

I struggled to find my enneagram type at first. I felt like I related to so many different numbers. This book helped me to understand the enneagram outside of the other resources I have already ready and I finally figured out what number I am! The way the types are described in this book are extremely helpful and I'm so glad this resource was recommended to me along with the podcast enneasummer. Both have been amazing in finding the right traits that I relate to and understanding my past. I love the enneagram!

2 people found this helpful

get to the points already

like a boring sermon trying to cover everything in the world. get to the points already

1 person found this helpful

Good information on the Enneagram

Very good book on the enneagram, excellent narrator. The material was dense and for that reason works best in written rather than audio format.

5 people found this helpful

insightful and brilliant!

This is a brilliant and insightful book that concisely explains the Enneagram. loved it! highly recommend it.