The Enchanted Hour

The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction

By: Meghan Cox Gurdon

Narrated by: Meghan Cox Gurdon

A Wall Street Journal writer’s conversation-changing look at how reading aloud makes adults and children smarter, happier, healthier, more successful and more closely attached, even as technology pulls in the other direction.

A miraculous alchemy occurs when one person reads to another, transforming the simple stuff of a book, a voice, and a bit of time into complex and powerful fuel for the heart, brain, and imagination. Grounded in the latest neuroscience and behavioral research, and drawing widely from literature, The Enchanted Hour explains the dazzling cognitive and social-emotional benefits that await children, whatever their class, nationality or family background. But it’s not just about bedtime stories for little kids: Reading aloud consoles, uplifts and invigorates at every age, deepening the intellectual lives and emotional well-being of teenagers and adults, too.

Meghan Cox Gurdon argues that this ancient practice is a fast-working antidote to the fractured attention spans, atomized families and unfulfilling ephemera of the tech era, helping to replenish what our devices are leaching away. For everyone, reading aloud engages the mind in complex narratives; for children, it’s an irreplaceable gift that builds vocabulary, fosters imagination, and kindles a lifelong appreciation of language, stories and pictures.

Bringing together the latest scientific research, practical tips, and reading recommendations, The Enchanted Hour will both charm and galvanize, inspiring readers to share this invaluable, life-altering tradition with the people they love most.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Remember! Just read to them.

Was skeptical. But, before I finished this book. I have already purchased 2 books to read to my daughter. 💕 and recommend to 3-4 other of my friends with children.

READ ALOUD TO YOUR FAMILY

Wonderful book about the importance and benefits of reading aloud! I will read more to my kids!

So truthful!!

Such a great reminder to be present in the lives of our loved ones! How something so simple is ingrained in our humanity bcuz it feeds our souls.

Such a convicting book!!

This book is an incredible parenting book, teacher education book, and book for human beings no matter who you are! I bought the hard copy to write in and underline it was so good. The authors “voices” and accents while reading literature snippets come across as silly and cringe worthy at times but not enough to taint my opinion that everyone should listen to/read this book!!

Reignite your love for read alouds

Fantastic performance! Highly engaging and well researched. I highly recommend this book for parents and caregivers of children of all ages.