In Praise of Wasting Time

Alan Lightman challenges listeners to step away from the electronic to-do lists found in our in-boxes or on our voicemails. His slightly raspy voice and purposeful advice urge us to move away from days filled to the brim with things to do and towards hours spent wandering in markets or in nature. Lightman comes across as a wise elder, like your hipster grandfather or great-uncle, who doles out advice in direct, measured pieces, dismantling your counterarguments along the way. His deliberate, precise delivery makes his message more emphatic. Can you spend 10 minutes alone--without your phone? Lightman's audiobook comes across like a life-coaching exercise, and his challenges will linger long after you've stopped listening. M.R. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine