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Revelation: Connecting with the Sacred in Everyday Life
by Russell Brand
3.95 · Rating details · 625 ratings · 90 reviews
Russell Brand takes a deep, earnest, yet witty dive into the meaning of life, death, and the sacred space in between in this compelling Audible Original.
An Aussie woman living alone in a forest, at one with nature and technology. A former addict celebrating an anniversary in recovery with friends - all ex-addicts - at a humble community center in LA. A man, no stranger to personal tragedy, training others to swim in arctic waters. The mortality of a close friend, a beloved pet cat, and - ultimately - ourselves. Russell Brand finds the sacred in all these people, locations, and experiences and advocates for discovering and embracing the sacred that is in all that surrounds us. Not an easy task in a world filled with the distractingly profane and our culture’s high value of emptier qualities, like celebrity and wealth, often at the expense of kindness and connection. Unsparing of himself, and with insights that are sure to resonate with any listener, Revelation sets a context for our need for the sacred - especially now, given current societal fragmentation and the dearth of mitigating social and political ideas. This Audible Original will truly change your perspective and, in the process, your life. (less)
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Published March 25th 2021 by Audible Originals
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Average rating3.95 · Rating details · 625 ratings · 90 reviews
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Cindy Rollins
Mar 30, 2021Cindy Rollins rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2021, audiobooks
This is going in the 19 for 2021 reading challenge in the outside-my-comfort-zone category.
While I don’t come close to agreeing with Brand, I appreciated hearing his story. Like Jordan Peterson he is a voice of hope in a confused culture.
I loved his storytelling voice and his wonderful vocabulary and his British accent. If you have a loved one with addictions then you would also appreciate this book.
flag19 likes · Like · 7 comments · see review
Samuel
Mar 31, 2021Samuel rated it really liked it
Shelves: non-fiction, mindfulness, favourites
“There is no end or separation, merely new notes played in the ongoing symphony of existence in which we all play our part.”
flag17 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review
Jolanta
Apr 16, 2021Jolanta rated it really liked it
Shelves: audio-books
I love Russell and always will, and this audiobook is definitely worth your audible credit. If it was a physical book, I’d underline it all - it is incredibly spiritual, intelligent and humorous at the same time. I’ll definitely be coming back to it.
My only issue with the book is that I wish he had stayed on the spirituality. He passionately jumps from one topic to another, and there were moments when I lost the thread and forgot what the audiobook is actually about. Like, one moment he examines the spirituality, and the other - the social impact of covid and politics. Not like I wouldn’t agree with him on any of the topics or ideas. I just think that his train of thought could have been structured better.
Nevertheless, very enjoyable, insightful and thought provoking audiobook. Highly recommend!!! (less)
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Rob Dircks
Apr 27, 2021Rob Dircks rated it it was amazing
WTF did I just listen to?
Wow - I did NOT expect that. I bought this title because I'm somewhat into the spirituality/self-help thing, and I like Russell Brand as a comedian/actor, so I figured this would be an interesting celebrity take on how to get connected to spirit. But it's not that. It's a crazy, hilarious, all-over-the-place roller coaster ride through Brand's life, and addictions, and beliefs, and observations, and more. And I LOVED it. No, it doesn't teach you how to connect with the sacred in everyday life, at least not in a step-by-step way. Rather, through telling the stories of his life, he shows how HE connects, and for me that was more than enough. The whole thing felt like an intimate conversation, with laughs (I rarely laugh at books/audiobooks but this one had me laughing in my car many times), and absolutely genius meandering asides and whispered self-deprecating jokes, and touching moments of compassion, and head-scratching questions that might not have answers, and love. And on top of that, what a great writer - his use of language and imagery was way beyond what I expected.
(Note to potential readers/listeners: in case it's not obvious from the above, if you're looking for any kind of structure, or step-by-step advice, this is not the book for you.) (less)
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Brandon
Mar 29, 2021Brandon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: spirituality
Brand’s style is pithy, passionate, and poetic, evoking snickers, tears, and contemplation, all the while making a compelling case for finding meaning through a deeper connection with the divine. Perhaps connecting with this sacred “oneness” is the way forward in our disconnected, materialistic, cynical world ... perhaps it is our only hope for salvation.
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Anna Bendewald
Jun 23, 2021Anna Bendewald rated it it was amazing
I purchased Russell Brand's REVELATION on Audible and listened to it in this fashion: Listen to a chapter, repeat, repeat, and proceed to the next chapter. When I was at the end I started back at the beginning and listened to it all the way through. I know I'll re-listen to it for many years to come even as the changing world he uses as a reference for me (as he acknowledges that references depend on what prism you employ to look through) changes minute by minute.
As someone in recovery, the way in which Russell connects with the 12 Steps resonates with me, and while I got so much from this book -- and feel perhaps I've gained an IQ point from brushing up against his intellect in this small way -- and I know that continuing on my own path of revelation has been changed by what he points out in REVELATION. (less)
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Maria Tizon
Mar 25, 2021Maria Tizon rated it it was amazing
Russell Brand is a revelation! He never fails to move me and make me laugh and think and feel. I love listening to his books.
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Latasha
Jun 20, 2021Latasha rated it it was amazing
Shelves: books-i-own, audio-books, magickal
I loved this book. We need this in e-book or actual book because I need to highlight and make notes! Russell Brand is hilarious. I enjoyed listening to him for 2 days. I would listen to more of his books.
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Amee B
Mar 30, 2021Amee B rated it liked it
I feel like the book was just a bunch of ramblings.... But the eulogy about his cat was wonderful.
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Craig Thompson
Apr 03, 2021Craig Thompson rated it really liked it
Russell jumps around from poetic to profane revealing his mental battles with honesty and highlighting what’s wrong with society and how we can fix it with common values and shared beliefs.
There are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments and some truly touching moments from his dealings with down and outs, the homeless and addicts.
I can totally identify with Russell’s struggle with addiction. Growing up in a Christian environment however I defaulted to emotional eating my way to obesity and playing 100s of house of video games per week. Nevertheless whenever I hear people speak about their depression, suicidal ideations and additions it resonates with me on a deep level. People like Russell are role models and proof to me, shining lights, beacons, lighthouses in the dark and cold night that it is okay to struggle and that there is a way through and practices that will help the awakened individual cope. I really enjoyed the section where Russel and Bear went to stay with Wim Hoff. I had no idea of the dark hole that Wim got into after his family’s tragedy and how he literally breathed himself out of it. These men who are now so powerful and looked up to by Hollywood stars, sports stars and broken people like me were once on the very same edge.
My favourite passage from the book I clipped the was from Chapter 10. And if you listen to the audiobook 04:01:10 into the book had me laughing out loud but god it’s so true.
Russell’s view of religion and spirituality is so accessible and real to me it’s something everyone should accept into their life. I love how he draws a line too between the Professor Trewlaney mad divination crystal rubbish and actual thousand year old techniques the likes of Wim Hoff have rediscovered.
It’s easy for people to dismiss Russell Brand I may have done myself - I didn’t like the old Russell. But the new Russell, the Russell reborn is an essential voice in troubled times. (less)
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Sarah Pizzichemi
Apr 01, 2021Sarah Pizzichemi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I really, really enjoyed this audiobook (read by the author). Russell Brand writes with both eloquence and a rawness that is truly touching. This is part memoir, part philosophical thought during pandemic, part self deprecating romp.
Brand has an intimate sense of his own limitations and acknowledging them that few people I know possess or are willing to openly admit to. The immediacy in his writing opens the doors for so much emotion as a reader/listener. I physically cried twice while listenin ...more
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Teresa
Aug 26, 2021Teresa rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2021
Beautiful. I suppose in part I enjoyed this because RB draws upon his luxuriously large and impressively deep well of vocabulary, and damn he manages to be funny and profound as he weaves together the most extraordinarily complex sentences.
I know that there are people that simply give an eye roll to the mention of his books, but I'm not one of them. Because for all the high falutin' language he is honest, self aware of his persona, and committed to bringing about good through his writing (podcasts too). Addiction and recovery are constant themes in his writing and that is how he keeps his sobriety. The 12 steps are wedged into this book, and not in an awkward way.
The book deserves a second reading, and I wish it were in print form, for the ease of copying quotes, of which there are many, that call for my further reflection and self assessment.
In the end, we all die, and hopefully we have had the kind of awareness in life that RB highlights. To leave here without the knowledge of our oneness and compassion for the other lives that share this planet in the way that RB has grown to embody would be sad.
With humor and enlightened humility, RB never takes himself too seriously and shows that all the insecurities can bubble up in an instant, he just knows how to get past them more deftly now. (less)
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David
Apr 05, 2021David rated it liked it
As entertaining listening A+. Love Brand's brand of witty humor and long florid sentences. As meaningful life philosophy, it's not so great. He is as obsessed as ever (perhaps rightly so) with 12 step recovery philosophy and seem to promote a religious world view which is "I feel, therefore god exists." I'm very happy for him for the direction his life has taken. And I love for how self aware he is about the frequent silliness of modern spirituality, but I'm less convinced about its validity. The book is also the first I've read that tackles the pandemic head on and the spiritual challenges and growth it brought him. It was nice to reflect on that whole thing as I've experienced it in a way I haven't been able to do before. (less)
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Sheryl
Apr 06, 2021Sheryl rated it really liked it
Shelves: religion-spirituality
⭐4.5 I love and adore Russell Brand, and think he’s one of the greatest minds of the 21st century. We’re only 21 years in, so I feel like I can get away with that. His writing is very similar to CS Lewis (another of my very favorite authors) though the spiritual trajectory is a bit different.
Even when I don’t agree with what Russell (we're on a first-name basis) is saying, I still love everything he says, because to me it feels like he expends all his effort in seeking truth. In this world filled with elegant lies of every form, how many things can you say that about? He’s like a scruffy, vegan Don Quixote on a quest to find what makes humans whole and connected. (I know that’s over the top. Don’t care. There are too few things I’m unapologetically enthusiastic about— so you can put your cynicism in your pipe and smoke it.)
Were it an option, I'd shave off half a star, because I think it needs a bit of editing. At the very least, it needs chapter titles to accompany the epigraphs. In any case, do spend the audible credit, because he’s both an excellent writer and narrator. (less)
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Karen
Nov 24, 2021Karen rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
Russell Brand is much smarter than I'd initially thought years ago. His insights are interesting.
As with other recent Russell Brand titles, I found Revelation thought provoking. I found the bit about his very ill cat to be very moving.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by the author. Definitely recommend the audio format over print/Kindle. (less)
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Irene
Jan 11, 2022Irene rated it it was ok
The book feels like a bit of a ramble, and I had difficulty following it. It left me scratching my head in parts as my concentration waned, and I would find my mind wandering during it.
There was some gold though. The end chapter, a eulogy for his cat, was beautiful, and reduced me to tears.
And I still love Russell's sense of humour, so will always have a go at his books even if I don't always grasp what he's talking about. Maybe that says more about me than him. (less)
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Nicole
Apr 11, 2021Nicole rated it really liked it
3.5 rounding up to 4 because of his last attempt to show the sacredness of life in the last chapter (mainly because it sucker punched me from my own past experiences). I love Russell Brand. Always have and probably always will. This was less about practicing sacred living, but more of a starting point to finding the divine and the sacred in literally life...or living...and sometimes death. Seeing the sacred in addicts, Wim Hof, struggle, pain, and grief. His perspective is always interesting, probably because of the accent, but at the end of the day it’s nothing more than Brand’s typical linguistic gymnastics routine. (less)
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Niki Walters
Apr 17, 2021Niki Walters added it
I would have preferred that it wasn't audio only but I really enjoyed the "book." He broke down the AA traditions which I've always found boring and the AA promises which I LOVE. The final chapter is an explicit description of letting go of his dying cat that was heart breaking but I'm grateful that it was said. (less)
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Candace
Apr 27, 2021Candace rated it it was ok
If you are looking for a book to point out where you can find and connect with a higher power in everyday life, skip this one. I so badly wanted to love this book. I wanted my mind to be opened to a point of view from someone who is so different from me. I did get some interesting stories and I don't feel like my 5 hours of listening time were wasted. But I would not recommend. (less)
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Mike
Apr 06, 2021Mike rated it really liked it
We see a lot of things the same way, Russell and me, so I appreciated the validation and added a number of new quotes and points of view to my toolset here.
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Angela Mcowan
May 14, 2021Angela Mcowan rated it really liked it
Shelves: audio-book
I enjoyed this audiobook and kept rewinding because I didn’t want to miss anything. It gave me a lot to think about in terms of spirituality and finding meaning, and his use of language was almost poetic. But a week on from finishing it, I’m finding that it hasn’t stayed with me as strongly as I would have predicted. But definitely worth reading, and I’ll go back to it at some point.
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Bethany Cobb
Mar 31, 2021Bethany Cobb rated it liked it
It was definitely his normal speaking style, however I felt it was definitely more an examination of spirituality through the lens of politics and societal issues, rather than a true examination of spirituality and everyday life. I was a bit disappointed
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Scott Charlesworth
Apr 14, 2021Scott Charlesworth rated it it was amazing
As one who has never taken drugs, let alone been addicted almost to the point of death, I couldn’t easily relate to Russell’s story. But the way in which he weaves language through novel metaphor and poetic alliteration, delivered in a profound, yet authentic oratory style, was a delight to listen to. I preferred the narrative elements over the sometimes rambling philosophical musings, but given that I came to the book as an existing fan of Russell’s sense of humour and perspective on the nature of existence, I grew to appreciate the audiobook the more I listened. The heart string-tugging conclusion failed to have what I imagine to be the desired effect, as I didn’t end in a puddle of tears, however I will admit that it did slightly shift my opinion of cats. I know Russell Brand will likely be too hippy-dippy for some (most), but if you claim to have an open mind, it’s worth giving his ideas some thought. (less)
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Brian Sachetta
Jun 14, 2021Brian Sachetta rated it liked it
It took me a while to figure out how I felt about this production, overall, as there were some things I really liked about it as well as things I didn’t like so much.
On the positive side, this is a really well-produced Audible original. The sound quality is super good, and Brand puts on what I’d call a poetic performance throughout it. It’s definitely not your standard “book,” and that comes across from the get-go.
In addition, Brand is open and honest about his life, feelings, and outlooks. He says we must connect with the divine in order to prosper in this strange and materialistic world, and he comes back to this theme, sporadically, throughout the work. Moreover, many of his stories and philosophical points are interesting, enlightening, and uplifting.
On the less positive side, however, the performance is a bit of a stream of consciousness. Though a lot of the content is good and captivating, it doesn’t feel cohesive most of the time. I really liked his theme of connecting with the divine, and I wish there were most substance around it or time dedicated to it.
In addition, Brand suggests, several times, that our countries and their systems are broken and irredeemable, and, as such, must be destroyed or uprooted entirely. Politics aside, I didn’t expect to hear such content in this one. I would’ve preferred that it was left out, and I think the production would have been just fine without it.
Thus, overall, I’m somewhere in the middle on this one. I had no idea Brand was such a profound dude (I’ve really only watched some of his comedy movies), and I loved seeing this other side of him. I think it would be super fun to chat or get dinner with him, and I may give some of his other productions a shot, but I can’t help but feel like this one missed the mark just a bit.
-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head” (less)
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Chels Patterson
Jun 28, 2021Chels Patterson rated it it was amazing
Revelation by Russell Brand is only available via audible, but it may be worth it. The book is specifically made to be heard. Brand specifically addresses this issue, about the cosmic vibrations and along with the benefits that come with it being made to be heard, like explaining kundalini breathing, he does it. He also puts on voices with such range, that I honestly thought different people were lending their voices.
The only issue I’ll address is that it’s almost everyone he mentions, except the Elizabeth Gilbert, his wife, a lady in Aussie outback, it’s very male centric. Like even the use of mankind, was a lot. Perhaps it’s just Brand’s perspective. But it was odd for someone so woke.
Despite this the journey in this book is interesting. Found some great moments and good quotes. And Brand speaks to many good even great people, but the book is grounded in reality. Not the hocas pocus that believes in crazy new age/ anti-vaxx craziness. Even he address the stupidity of someone like Wim Hoff telling Brand there is no techniques when asked, and then later going over what is essentially a technic. Much of what he talks or interprets is based on his life as an addict. And his search to silence his inner thoughts and feeling of inadequate-ness. Brand spoke about feeling the need to use his fame to as a shield and what happen when it disappears. Like when he spoke to 12-17 year old homeless kids. The ending talk about the death of his cat Morrison was intelligent and raw. And powerful for those dealing with loss, or a formative change. (less)
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Matt
Jun 11, 2021Matt rated it did not like it
This book was interesting and I laughed a few times. I respect the author I just couldn’t possibly disagree with him more. I listened to this book because one of the reviewers called him a modern day C.S. Lewis. I guess maybe if C.S. Lewis was a recovering heroine addict that believed that civilized society should be completely undone and that we should return to small self sustaining tribes. So yeah, not C.S. Lewis at all.
I find it ironic when wealthy people speak about the evils of capitalism because of the “inequality” that is causes. I would like to see people like Brand express a little gratitude for the absolute miracle that capitalism has created for all of us. Without capitalism people don’t create or innovate on anything like the scale that we have seen in the last 150 years. Without capitalism we are at best subsistence farmers struggling to get by and dying young. Sounds awesome right? Well maybe we would somehow be more fulfilled as we are sick and starving.
The reality is we have a choice. We can either have capitalism which creates unequal prosperity or socialism which as Churchill said results in “the equal sharing of misery.” Utopian tribes that operate on perfect democracy where everyone acts for the greater good and no one ever tries to create a better situation for himself or his family exist only in Brand’s formerly heroine addled mind. (less)
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Christina
May 02, 2021Christina rated it really liked it
I enjoyed listening to this book (although it did not change my life or perspective in any way, as the summary proclaims). Russell Brand is extraordinarily funny and I laughed out loud many times while walking and listening.
The tale sort of rambles around - he talks about a need for a complete societal change and perhaps creating a society based on 12 steps ideology (or maybe I misunderstood that part). I am not sure what, if any, conclusions were drawn on how to actually execute this theoretical better society.
There were many brilliantly told stories and he was refreshingly honest and human, but the thread of topics jump all over the place. I did conclude that we should cherish our relationships (to everything) as the sacred things they are, and that we are (and are surrounded by) miracles.
Did I mention how funny Russell is? I just love his sense of humour.
P.S. I highly respect Russell for not taking ayahuasca even though I’m certain he would have more insights than the average person. I have heard of some people doing many many ayahuasca sessions, so it does seem like it has the potential to elicit addictive behaviour. (less)
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Kimberley
Aug 15, 2021Kimberley rated it really liked it
Shelves: books-i-own
While I may not agree with everything Brand says, I absolutely enjoyed this Audible original. It was interesting to hear about his life and his philosophy in vignette type stories. This isn't an autobiography or a memoir, it's more like learning about the sacred through the stories and examples from a man who is completely honest about his failings and his own ego. I say "completely honest" because I can't imagine anyone admitting these kinds of truths about themselves if they weren't true.
One of the things that strikes me is how he tells about his constant struggle to stay in the moment, to seek out the sacred in everyday life. He doesn't claim to be all knowing, he claims to be always seeking and always learning. I respect that in a way that is difficult to explain. And I have to say, the man is an excellent writer and has a way of putting a string of words together that causes me to rewind and listen again. I wish this book was in printed format.
If you approach this Audible with an open mind and heart, you will not be disappointed. Seek and learn. An intelligent mind knows it is possible to entertain a thought without accepting it, if that is your choice. (less)
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Michael Fedora
Feb 11, 2022Michael Fedora rated it really liked it
I wasn't going to give this book (audiobook) a score, but... English isn't my first language and majority of Russell's ramblings - because a lot of this book is his ramblings - and as much as enlightening some of those long-winded monologues are, a lot of them, simply, just went over my head. I do love and enjoy, Russell's almost poetic writing style and his delivery, but sometimes this multileveled, multilayered writing gets me lost. Not sometimes, even, most of the time. What changed my mind about giving this book a score, AND a review is the eulogy to his cat Morrissey. I remember when during the first lockdown, here in the UK, he posted about this on his YouTube channel, and I remember I was deeply touched. I'm a 36 year old bloke and even thinking about having to, one day in the future, say goodbye to one of my best furless friends (they're Sphynx cats, hence furless) that for quite few years have kept me sane and helped me through some of my worst times - even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. So if that eulogy were the only thing I understood, and at some level could personally relate to, I would still give this book at least 4 stars. (less)
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Curly Wurly
Apr 18, 2021Curly Wurly rated it really liked it
If you’ve read any of his others books, you’ll find this a bit repetitive, but if you’re listening via audiobooks, the revelations along with Russell’s accent is definitely worth listen to.
Russell Brand has a very unique sense of reframing reality in a manner that is both blatantly rude yet also humorously true. His perceptions on life often leave readers double-thinking their own belief systems and willingness to explore alternative ways of interpreting this world and why people behave a certain way.
Overall, Russell’s reputation is often influenced by his own history of addiction and critics then either come to love or hate his reflections based on those experiences. However, as an author, he has an ability to capture the essence of human curiosity in a manner that is BEYOND just his own personal journey, thereby making the content both relatable and interesting to almost anyone whom is bold enough to challenge their own insights on current affairs in order to develop a life that’s based on meaning and valuable choices. (less)
