Einstein’s Dreams

A story that brought about deep thoughts and new perspectives that I never would have thought of.

It is in every imagination and every vignette of this book. It is the thing we flow with and rebel against. It is the very thing that keeps us from understanding a loved one, a friend or foe. It is within us and beyond us.

I read this for Book Club. Maybe someone in Book Club can tell me what it was about because I have NO idea. At least it\’s not too long.

I have the small hardcover print book, but was so concerned about \”messing it up\” that I purchased it again as an audiobook. My first ever audiobook purchase. Sure, it came on two cassette tapes and I didn\’t have my own tape player, but I was saving up my allowance to buy one and wanted to be ready to use it just as soon as I had my player in hand. (Which, in hi-tech fashion for the mid-1980s, was a dual cassette tape player and recorder, with radio, so I could actually record some of my favorite songs right from the radio – I was over the moon with joy!) I\’ve since lent that book out a couple times, but still protect it as best I can. It means a lot to me and was very instrumental in the way I developed my worldview, perceptions, and interests. I traveled to many countries and often found myself far more accepting of local customs and traditions than my travelmates, which I attribute in large part directly to the diverse scenarios contained in this thought-provoking book. In short, I adore this book. I was spoiled by the cassette version of the audiobook, though. In the Audible version, I thing Mr. Harder does a wonderful job, and vaguely resembles the tone of Einstein\’s voice enough to be able to imagine it truly being Einstein musing over his remembered dreams. in all actuality, I think this is how it should have been all the while. However, it\’s hard sometimes to hear a different voice reading something you have spent more than 30 years hearing another person read to you. The cassette version was performed by Michael York. Nowhere near Einstein\’s voice quality, and no effort to do character voices or anything. Just a straight reading of the book. As it was my first audiobook, I had no basis for comparison. I have close to 300 titles in my Audible library now, and actually spent a few years in the early 2000\’s as an audiobook technical editor myself, listening, editing out background noise, matching pitches and tones from different recording sessions, at times splicing together and inserting a missed word in the text, etc. With that in mind, I went and pulled out my cassette version of this book, only to find cassette #2 missing from the case. It\’s probably still in one of my cassette players, perhaps out in the garage somewhere. I have no idea what the condition of it will be if/ when it\’s found, and I haven\’t looked to see if that version is still available and in what format. So I got this Audible version, not realizing it was re-recorded by a different voice actor. To be clear, I think Mr. Gardner does a wonderful job with this recording. The German is clear and as best I can tell (my grandmother was a German immigrant) accented/pronounced correctly and without hesitation or stumbles. The inflection is good, the pacing appropriate, and the interactions Einstein has with others (as well as those interactions within the dreams) are excellent. Had I heard this version first (or only), it would have been five stars across the board from me. Sadly, I have not been able in this first listen to overcome my expectation when I hit \”play\” of hearing Michael York telling me the take as he has for over 30 years now. I will definitely be listening to this again, and I am certain I will enjoy it just as I have in this first listen. I\’m sure it\’ll grow on me, and if I can just explain to myself that this is another storyteller reading me the same story (like if Grandpa were to read the bedtime story instead of Grandma), I have no doubt this version will join the York production at the top of my all-time favorites list. Well done to all involved. It can be difficult to wrap one\’s mind around the conceptualization of time the way this book does, and to present it so clearly in the form of short stories and scenes does really bring the ideas to life. Alan Lightman is a phenomenal mind, author, and creative force. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, no matter what format is your preference. Book, audiobook, Kindle book, whatever – get this book, listen to it slowly with breaks between scenes to really consider the variation of time just experienced, and continue on. I hope it broadens your horizons and shifts your perspectives as much as it has mine over the past few decades.

Great reviews and recommendations from colleagues for this book. it just didn\’t resonate with me. the stories are too short and with no discussion of the meaning.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member