When Things Fall Apart

Cassandra was not a good choice for a narrator

I have heard at least six audiobooks narrated by Cassandra and I consider her to be a great narrator. However, this particular book is really suffering because of Cassandra’s reading style and voice quality. The outcome is not soothing and calming. It is not even friendly.
Most people who reach for this title are probably experiencing emotional pain and suffering to some degree. Therefore, it would have been great to listen to a voice with a timbre that is more deep and calming, and a narrator whose style is less matter-of-fact.
When Pema was writing this book, my sense is that her intention was that her words would land in our minds in a clear, yet comforting and encouraging way. Cassandra’s interpretation makes these sentences and words have a pointy feel and look in my mind.
The content is immensely valuable and so I hope that Pema and the publishers will decide to record another audio version of this book.
Thanks!

76 of 81 people found this review helpful

Heavy must

I would not recommend it in the start of a crisis because it’s hardcore and very true to the Buddha’s teaching. For a crisis I recommend “True refuge” by Tara Brach. This book is perfect when you have gotten a little less crushed.

I was thirteen when this book came out, due to reduced vision I prayed for an audio edition. I pre-ordered. and in some periods I listened to one essay. The last week I have used this as a retreat.

Everyone should listen in, you might need to listen over and over but it will soften your soul because it is the way of the Dharma in any form. Cassandra Campbell has the perfect velvet-voice for this classic.

Om mani padme hung(hung in Pali, hum in Sanskrit.)

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Beautiful Book, Wrong Narrator

Would you listen to When Things Fall Apart again? Why?

Honestly, no. I'd read it or listen with a different narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I had to take many breaks and could only listen to Cassandra Campbell's narration for short periods of time. She's a fine reader, but her style is much too affected and stagy, almost like she's trying to sound seductive or flirtatious. It felt really distracting and wrong for this book, where you just want to experience the author's direct teachings, and not have the narrator inserting themselves or their weird interpretation into it. And yeah, I get the irony of being so annoyed by something like this when I'm trying to listen to Buddhist teachings. Oh well!

30 of 32 people found this review helpful

Not the right narrator

I listened to Pema for the first time on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday. I was so intrigued by her and her story. I immediately related to her struggles through her relationships and decided to get her book. Her tone is so warm and sincere. That is originally part of what drew me in. When selecting reads that I am connected to on a spiritual and personal level, I’m hoping the voice reading back to me is easily relatable. I didn’t feel this was the right narrator for this story. Her voice didn’t connect with me.

56 of 62 people found this review helpful

Great Book, Peculiar Narrator

Pema is one of the voices I turn to, over and over. And I was grateful to find this classic available as an audiobook. As it began to play, I had an inkling of recognition. The narrator’s pouty, flirty voice sounded like she was at once drinking a fancy red while trying to sell you a luxury condo. And I realized this not-unintelligent voice was the one I had just heard narrating Molly’s Game— to which she was perfectly suited. Here, I spent so much energy baffled by and trying to hear the meaning behind the words the narrator seemed to have little understanding of herself, that the whole thing became an exercise in watching and noting the judgmental reactive mind. Which, I suppose, Pema might say is perfect. But I’m maybe not that enlightened.

I’m grateful to have the book, but would love to hear Pema read it.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

my great gratitude

Im grateful and thankful to Pema, this is a book to help me relate to great teaching of buddha.
sadhu sadhu sadhu..

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Delivery not for me

I am reading the book again, listening didn’t do anything for me. I think hearing Pema’s words read aloud is a personal thing, and the performance just didn’t work for me.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

it's the end of the world and I feel fine

I have struggled with ADHD and fought against depression for most of my 38 years. I've never felt like I was playing with a full deck of cards. This book helped me work on adapting my mindset and see alternative outlooks in myself. I'd been curious about this title for a while and I'm glad I checked it out now. I think that it will be something that I listen to again and again. Two thumbs up! <3

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

amazing read.

this book is a great tool to change your perception pf any situation, master your mood and be kinder to others. Really refreshing and non judgemental or full of BS.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

wonderful book

wonderful book as usual from Pema Chodron. simple and touching
great reading performance. I highly recommend

2 of 2 people found this review helpful