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Richard Bach
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Jonathan Livingston Seagull Audio Cassette – Unabridged, August 15, 1994

by Richard Bach (Author, Reader)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 14,025 ratings
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The classic story that sent Richard Bach soaring to literary fame

In this all-new edition of one of the world's most beloved bestsellers, Richard Bach shares the enchanting tale of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the bird determined to be more than an ordinary gull, determined to find a reason for living-determined to be free. Jonathan's story is for people who make their own rules when they know they're right; people who get a special pleasure out of doing something well, even if only for themselves; people who know there's more to this whole living thing than meets the eye.

Read by the author, this is an adventure in flight, an adventure of the spirit, an adventure in freedom and joy-and a voyage of discovery for those who strive to know the meaning of kindness and love.
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  1. Language
    English
  2. Publisher
    Macmillan Audio
  3. Publication date
    August 15, 1994
  4. Dimensions
    4.64 x 0.69 x 6.48 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1559273062
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1559273060
  7. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Richard Bach with this book does two things. He gives me Flight. He makes me Young. For both I am deeply grateful." --Ray Bradbury

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Macmillan Audio; Unabridged edition (August 15, 1994)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1559273062
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1559273060
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.64 x 0.69 x 6.48 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 14,025 ratings

About the author

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Richard Bach

Richard Bach

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Since Jonathan Livingston Seagull - which dominated the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List for two consecutive years - Richard Bach has touched millions of people through his humor, wisdom and insight.

With over 60 million copies of his books sold, Richard Bach remains one of the world's most beloved authors. A former USAF fighter pilot, Air Force captain and latter-day barnstorming pilot, Bach continues to be an avid aviator-author, exploring and chronicling the joys and freedom of flying, reporting his findings to his devoted fans.

Recent books include Travels with Puff, which recounts Bach's journey from Florida to Washington state in his small seaplane, Puff, and Illusions II: The Adventures of a Reluctant Student, which incorporates Bach's real-life plane crash.

Life with my Guardian Angel, published in October, 2017, is his story of the way we can discover a startling source of inspiration in our daily lives.

Fans and readers can find more about Richard and his work at www.richardbach.com

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
14,025 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an enjoyable and easy read with a simple storyline. They appreciate the inspiring content and thought-provoking ideas in the book. The writing style is described as unique and easy to follow, making it suitable for children to read and comprehend. However, some readers feel the message lacks value and is boring or pointless.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityInspirational contentStory qualityEase of readingMessage quality
316 customers mention "Readability"313 positive3 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They say it's a quick, helpful read with great lessons and quotes. Readers appreciate the expertly written and lighthearted approach to a difficult subject.

"...Re-reading this book today has been such a beautiful homecoming. No matter where you are on the journey, this wonderful book is meaningful!" Read more

"...Well worth it." Read more

"This was an easy, quick read yet it provides valuable life lessons on overcoming fears and doing things anyway when you’re fearful." Read more

"...He said he really enjoyed the book." Read more

283 customers mention "Inspirational content"283 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and thought-provoking. They say it provides valuable life lessons on overcoming fears and doing. The philosophy and symbolism in the book teaches us to see ourselves for who we really are. Readers appreciate the big message and the higher self introspection. It's a wonderful introduction to Buddhist thought and a must-read for anyone with an inquisitive mind.

"...No matter where you are on the journey, this wonderful book is meaningful!" Read more

"This was an easy, quick read yet it provides valuable life lessons on overcoming fears and doing things anyway when you’re fearful." Read more

"...It is a great uplifting story that instills a desire to push through the blocks and be who you are and achieve your dreams regardless of those people..." Read more

"This is my all-time favorite book. It contains the most important truths I have ever learned...." Read more

180 customers mention "Story quality"175 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the story's simple yet timeless tale. They find it an engaging read for young readers and a great way to introduce the concept of overcoming limitations, loving, and letting go. The book is described as easy to read and relatable, with a beautiful allegory about life and love.

"...easy book to read and inspirational too - against all odds and sheer determination, the hallmark of a leader...." Read more

"a beautiful story of overcoming limitations, loving, and letting go" Read more

"Love this book. Great story for my high schooler." Read more

"...It contains a lot of implied meaning about life straight from the Boss...." Read more

77 customers mention "Ease of reading"70 positive7 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and follow. They appreciate the author's unique writing style and simple language that children can understand. The author uses beautiful imagery to convey his message clearly.

"...It is an easy book to read and inspirational too - against all odds and sheer determination, the hallmark of a leader...." Read more

"...He is the most gifted writer about aviation that I have ever read." Read more

"...the book was in keeping with what I already believed but written in a very unique way so that human prejudices could be set aside, I mean it's..." Read more

"How can even begin, this book is a masterpiece, expertly and eloquently written, it teaches us to see ourselves for who we really are and to do the..." Read more

24 customers mention "Message quality"0 positive24 negative

Customers find the book's message poor. They describe it as a waste of time, boring, and pointless. Some find it goofy at times, but overall they consider it a disappointing read and an unwise purchase.

"...Hope and optimism this new section ends with pessimism and a cold slap of reality, which is inappropriate for this story. I love Richard...." Read more

"This book is a worthless story about some stupid seagull who extricates himself from a group of mundane, materialistic seagulls in order to pursue a..." Read more

"...a happy birthday in 2015 but unfortunately it appears that the book was never read. Peace" Read more

"I like Bach's aviation titles more but this is easy reading but too far out of reality and more spiritual with a biblical thread...." Read more

Stains on the cover
3 out of 5 stars
Stains on the cover
It came dirty! It has black stains on the cover
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars the beginning of my journey
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I originally read this book in 1972 and it was the beginning of my spiritual evolution. So for 52 years I’ve been a student of enlightenment. Re-reading this book today has been such a beautiful homecoming. No matter where you are on the journey, this wonderful book is meaningful!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • abbies mom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great classic
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Going to be a present for a grandchild. This book so made an impact on me when I was younger.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Animalhouse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve heard about this book for years, but never got around to reading it. Well worth it.
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  • C. Wallace
    4.0 out of 5 stars Be Fearless
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was an easy, quick read yet it provides valuable life lessons on overcoming fears and doing things anyway when you’re fearful.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • LasVegasBret
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you are a loner that feels like you don't belong, this story is for you.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you are like me, you feel out of place in the world, often unable to achieve your dreams and desires because you are held down by insert-everything-that-holds-you-down-here...

    It is a great uplifting story that instills a desire to push through the blocks and be who you are and achieve your dreams regardless of those people/situations/etc. around you. The original (published) story was just 3 parts, which is sufficient for me. The extra/added part is fine, but I didn't get anything out of it that wasn't in the original 3 parts. I'm glad I read the extra part, but for me, the true story is parts 1-3.

    Mind you that this story isn't for everyone. Gave it to others in the family to read, and they didn't get much out of it or were inspired to make a change -- the topic of this book is very applicable to certain personality types, and shunned by others. If you are held down in life, this book is for you -- read it and realize that you have so much more potential if you don't let life's blocks keep you down. Remember, that you have to be willing to make the change -- at the end of the day, your success is entirely dependent on --- you!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Wu Wei
    5.0 out of 5 stars Are we free or doomed from birth?
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    This is my all-time favorite book. It contains the most important truths I have ever learned.

    This book certainly could be viewed as Eastern Religion / New Age, and considering Bach's other books perhaps that is his main meaning.

    However, JLS also contains important non-religious truths which apply to everyday life. For example, based on one of the most quoted parts of the book, "Jonathan" might answer everyday questions like this:

    Are you saying I can lose weight and be thin, even though I've been fat my whole life?
    I say you are free.

    Are you saying that even though I finished near the bottom this year, with hard work I could finish near the top 3 or 4 years from now?
    I say you are free.

    Are you saying that even though the aptitude test showed I'm bad in math, that I could be successful in my dream job, engineering, if I try hard enough?
    I say you are free.

    Those answers are very, very different from the prevailing paradigm / meme within our society, which says that nearly everything is determined at birth, so that we are born either "fat" or "thin" people, born "smart" or "bad at math", born as "great athletes" or "losers". Society then tells us that we shouldn't try to change anything about ourselves (since it supposedly won't work), but should spend our lives happy or bitter because of the gifts that were handed out at the birth lottery. A key turning point is when Jonathan rejects the "strange hollow voice" in his mind which tells him:
    "There's no way around it. I am a seagull. I am limited by nature. If I were meant to learn so much about flying, I'd have charts for brains. If I were meant to fly at speed, I'd have a falcon's short wings... I must... be content as I am, as a poor limited seagull."

    Jonathan rejects this when he realizes that by tucking his wings close to his body he can simulate the falcon's short wings and fly fast even though he wasn't born with short wings. After he tries this and is able to fly faster than any gull could with extended wings, Jonathan realizes: "We can be free! We can learn to fly!"

    JLS says that mental restrictions are the biggest factor keeping us from reaching our potential. Some of those restrictions come from society, and some are self-created mental straitjackets. All of those mental limits are false and unnecessary. The truth according to Jonathan is:
    "Your whole body... is nothing more than your thought itself, in a form you can see. Break the chains of your mind, and you break the chains of your body, too..."
    (That can be seen as a totally non-religious statement. Our bodies today are the result of how hard we worked in the past and the mental limitations we didn't shed, and "our thought" = our mind is what determined that.)

    This leads Jonathan to answer these questions very differently from society: Who am I? What is my purpose in life? Should I be egotistical?

    Society tells us that we should conform, and we specifically are what the birth lottery gave us, like someone might be "heavy set, average intelligence but good in math". Society says that we should be immensely proud of everything we (supposedly) were born with, and of every victory, and should be intensely ashamed of anything we were born without, and of every defeat.

    Jonathan however, believing we are not limited by birth, sees each of us as being unique and of unlimited potential. Our goal and purpose in life is simply to be ourselves. This is not the limited self we are at the start of adult life, but everything which hard work could make us:

    "you have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way.
    Are you saying I can fly?
    I say you are free."

    "Each of us in truth is an idea... , an unlimited idea of freedom, and precision flying is a step towards expressing our real nature. Everything that limits us we have to put aside."

    This means that ego is meaningless, because what we are today is simply the result of yesterday's hard work, and whatever races we lose today could be won in the future if we work hard enough. Today's ranking and abilities are just the starting point for the rest of our lives, not something to get egotistical about. As one of Jonathan's students thought with a smile once he began teaching his own students, "No limits, Jonathan? Well, then, the time's not too distant when I'm going to appear out of thin air on YOUR beach, and show you a thing or two about flying!..."

    The reason why I discussed this in length is to disagree with reviews which say that JLS must be seen as a religious book, and that it teaches only "common sense" truths. It is rare, not common, to meet anyone who believes what JLS teaches.
    71 people found this helpful
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  • Kang Wei Geih
    5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership - perseverance and determination
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The first time I read this magnificent book when I was in college. As I scan the Amazon.com for some self-improvement book to read, this one pop up. It is an easy book to read and inspirational too - against all odds and sheer determination, the hallmark of a leader. Because of the caption -" The Complete Edition" I decided to read it again. It never disappoint me!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • David Cooper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Bought this for a birthday gift for my 19 year old grandson. He said he really enjoyed the book.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Miss Mona
    5.0 out of 5 stars Seagull
    Reviewed in Canada on May 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read this while in my teens. Now I am much older, I thought it might be a good book to recommend for a student. Reading it over again, I am getting so much more from it. It is easy to read and has a valuable lesson.
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  • Pátria e Família
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A must read, many levels of mind blowing information...
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  • Noel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Supermotivating
    Reviewed in India on September 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love the book, very motivating
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  • LAB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Finally read it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    After all these years. It is a simple exposition of being and not being. Freedom rang true for many people when this first came out. And it is time for the fourth part.
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  • Christian J
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastisk bok. Inspirerande.
    Reviewed in Sweden on June 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Väldigt välskriven inspirerande bok om att välja och att våga gå sin egen väg och att fortsätta växa i det man älskar att göra.

    Rekommenderar den till alla. Men speciellt till dig som brinner särskilt för något som ingen annan i din umgängeskrets ser värdet i. <3 :)
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