Wednesday, June 8, 2016

If You Read Only One Book This Summer . . . This Is It

In keeping with my self-imposed light online footprint, I'm not going to endlessly go on and on about what just might be one of the best books I've ever read.

Bottom line - if you read only one book this summer, grab Adam McHugh's The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction.




McHugh's the kind of guide you'd choose if you're taking a long, winding journey to someplace unknown.  He's wise, he's got a keen sense of humor.  He knows where he's headed, because he's the first to admit the mistakes he's made in the past.  His subject matter is deep, yet engaging and readable.  He's got some crack-you-up anecdotes to share along the way {and his wry humor is even interlaced in the books's end notes}.

If you like reading with a highlighter or pen in hand, grab yours.

'The question that drives this book is, how would our relationships change, and how would we change, if we approached every situation with the intention of listening first?  What if we approached our relationship with God as listeners?  What if we viewed our relationship with nature as one of listening?  What if we approached our relationships using our ears rather than our mouths?  What if we sought to listen to our emotions before we preached to them?' 

The Listening Life will probably not only end up being my favorite book of 2016 ... it will drastically simplify my Christmas shopping list come November.

I'll take a crate of these, please.


36 comments:

  1. You know I just added this to my list, Linda! Got the Kindle sample sent as well. Thanks so much for sharing. I love your recommendations. May I listen better today as a result.

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    1. I think you're gonna love it, Lisa! Can't wait to see your review ...

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  2. Wow, sounds like an important book. Listening "seems" like it should be easy, right? But it's not! Thanks for the recommendation!

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    1. We who think we listen well will be more than surprised at what we're missing out on ...

      What a handbook this is!

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  3. Thanks for sharing this, Linda. Sounds like a great book. Listening is so important and the fact that you describe it as one of the best books ever definitely makes me want to check it out.

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  4. This sounds like an awesome and needful read. I sure can use some sharpening on my listening skills.

    I found this line interesting: "What if we viewed our relationship with nature as one of listening?" One of my favorite things to do is find a nearby lake and sit out there in the peace and quiet. It recharges my soul's batteries. But I really didn't view it as a listening time ... I will now!

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    1. For sure, Jerralea, McHugh's chapter on listening to nature is a fascinating perspective ...

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  5. I love the quote you included, Linda! I am definitely going to get this one as it fits with much of what I have been reflecting on! I actually have several others on my summer stack as well. I seem to always find new books that intrigue or entice me! Your comments on this one is significant since you (like me) have also spent our professional lives listening!

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    1. And you know, as a professional, that our skill set continues to need updating and sharpening. This is a MUST read for every people helper.

      For sure!

      ;-}

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  6. "What if we sought to listen to our emotions before we preached to them?" Powerful. Last weekend we had our two grandgirls...one of them was sad. I asked what she needed, maybe a hug? She nestled in and stayed there till she was done and then said she was ok to go to bed. She is 8. No explaining to her why she should be ok...Thank God I have learned a few things! Much better at doing this with self also. added this to my book list.

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    1. Hi Carol ... that chapter was my favorite, I think ... if I had to choose. I'd love to hear your take on it after you finish reading!

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  7. I've added this book to my wish list, Linda, that's for sure! For other great reading, I hope you'll check out my books at www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade.
    Blessings!

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    1. Calling all readers ... be sure to check out Martha's link!!

      ;-}

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  8. Sounds like a great book, Linda. Thanks!

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    1. Glad you're feeling well enough to be in on the conversation, Andrew. I know that many days are hard ones for you ...

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  9. On the hunt and trying to track down a copy. Sounds like a great book!!

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    1. Yay! Let's hear it for bringing The Listening Life to the Hudson Valley! If anyone can hunt down a copy, it'll be my favorite librarian ...

      Please let me know!

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    2. I just ordered it for the library! Woo hoo!!!!

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    3. Oh cool! Can't wait to hear how Adam impacts New York!

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  10. Oh . . . you're making me want to go back and re-read it! Summer is a beautiful time to be re-dedicated to the practice of "hearing the hearts of those around me."
    Thank you, Linda, for sharing yours.

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    1. Yeah, it definitely is worth another read, isn't it, Michele ...

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  11. Years ago, I ran a managerial course on Listening Skills. Listening is difficult. It requires attention, concentration, focus, as well as being tiring. It isn't just like hearing a background noise; like traffic passing by, or a radio playing music.

    Very few of us have the ability, and gift, to listen well most of the time. Especially listening to nature - the wind blowing softly through the trees and bushes, the waves coming to rest on a sandy or pebbled beach, the song of birds or the buzzing of a bee.

    Did you know that the cricket chirps according to the temperature around him? When it is hot he chirps more often; perhaps 50 or 60 times a minute. When it gets cooler he chirps less often; perhaps 30 times a minute. At 0 Degrees C he does not chirp at all because he is frozen stiff.

    God bless.

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    1. Gosh, Victor, you were so serious and reflective ... until the last few lines!!

      Poor little cricket, all frozen and silent ...

      ;-{

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  12. Sounds like a wonderful book. Adding to my wish list. I am slowly making my way through Wonderstruck by Margaret Feinberg and really enjoying. And I do mean slowly... lol

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    1. Don't you love a slow, reflective read, Beth ... those times when we're invited to slow down and savor and we finally say, 'yes, yes.'

      Wonderstruck sounds like such an invitation ...

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  13. Thanks for the strong recommendation Linda...
    Just checking in to say HI!
    Have a wonderful weekend

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    1. May your weekend be lovely and lively, Ifeoma ...

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  14. Thanks for increasing my Amazon shopping list! That's what friends are for, right :)

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    1. I'd like to think that Amazon's got a little happier because of this post!

      ;-}

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  15. Thank you Linda for your great blogs. I am so glad I met you today through #tellhisstory I love how God connects people interested in similar life themes. I am getting the book!

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    1. I'd love to hear what you think when you're done reading, Angela ...

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  16. It sounds like an excellent book that is very practical! I have been thinking about how important active listening is, and how that affects every aspect of life and relationships. I look forward to reading more about this book!

    Here are my May reads: http://elle-alice.blogspot.com/2016/05/may-book-reviews.html

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    1. Yep, we need all the practical we can get, don't we ...

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  17. This book has been on my stack for quite a while. I think your review is just what I needed to move it to the top of the pile. Thank you!

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