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Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Sebastian Junger (Author, Narrator), Hachette Audio (Publisher)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 11,370 ratings
Editors' pick Best Nonfiction
See all formats and editions

We have a strong instinct to belong to small groups defined by clear purpose and understanding - "tribes". This tribal connection has been largely lost in modern society, but regaining it may be the key to our psychological survival.

Decades before the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin lamented that English settlers were constantly fleeing over to the Indians - but Indians almost never did the same. Tribal society has been exerting an almost gravitational pull on Westerners for hundreds of years, and the reason lies deep in our evolutionary past as a communal species. The most recent example of that attraction is combat veterans who come home to find themselves missing the incredibly intimate bonds of platoon life. The loss of closeness that comes at the end of deployment may explain the high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by military veterans today.

Combining history, psychology, and anthropology, Tribe explores what we can learn from tribal societies about loyalty, belonging, and the eternal human quest for meaning. It explains the irony that - for many veterans as well as civilians - war feels better than peace, adversity can turn out to be a blessing, and disasters are sometimes remembered more fondly than weddings or tropical vacations. Tribe explains why we are stronger when we come together and how that can be achieved even in today's divided world.

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  1. Listening Length
    2 hours and 59 minutes
  2. Author
    Sebastian Junger
  3. Narrator
    Sebastian Junger
  4. Audible release date
    May 24, 2016
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Hachette Audio
  7. ASIN
    B01D57FNZG
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details

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Product details

Listening Length 2 hours and 59 minutes
Author Sebastian Junger
Narrator Sebastian Junger
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date May 24, 2016
Publisher Hachette Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B01D57FNZG
Best Sellers Rank #4,108 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#4 in Afghan War
#4 in United States Military Veterans History
#6 in Violence in Society (Books)

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
11,370 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and thought-provoking. They describe the writing as clear, easy to read, and literate. The book instills compassion for veterans' struggles and provides a unique perspective on social bonds. Readers appreciate the interesting stories and weaving of events presented in an engaging manner. Overall, the presentation is well-thought-out and informative.

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ReadabilityInsightWriting qualityCommunity valueStory qualityPresentationPacingValue for money
723 customers mention "Readability"670 positive53 negative

Customers find the book engaging and informative. They describe it as an important read for anyone interested in thinking. The book is well-researched, easy to read, and powerful.

"...If you’re short on time, I’d recommend the audiobook first – it’s a great listen and really engages you in the topic...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I think addressing the importance of connectedness is the single most important cultural endeavor today...." Read more

"...He explains why PTSD is rampant among veterans; why there is less mental illness in times of shared danger than in times of prosperity...." Read more

"Nice product, works as described." Read more

664 customers mention "Insight"599 positive65 negative

Customers find the book insightful, thought-provoking, and informative. They say it's a good indictment of modern society and provides an eye-opening letter to the American public. The book provides opportunities to help others and provides a clearer look at the behavior of groups and individuals in conflict.

"...Sebastian Junger dives into the importance of community, belonging, and how modern society often disconnects us from the sense of tribe that’s..." Read more

"I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I think addressing the importance of connectedness is the single most important cultural endeavor today...." Read more

"What an incredibly insightful book and realization of the way we live in today’s culture and society vs. those before us...." Read more

"Junger is the penultimate journalist who researches thoroughly and draws appropriate conclusions. His writing is impeccable...." Read more

209 customers mention "Writing quality"195 positive14 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and well-researched. They appreciate the author's storytelling, good prose, and clear explanations of concepts. The purpose of the book is logical and thought-provoking, with an argument that is not airtight.

"...the penultimate journalist who researches thoroughly and draws appropriate conclusions. His writing is impeccable...." Read more

"...It is written within the context of war, and studding the elements of how humans bond. There are some deep insights in this reality...." Read more

"...Shared grief/trauma is easier to handle as a group or community or tribe...." Read more

"I couldn't put this book down after the first few pages. It is very well written, and I saw and felt what the author wrote...." Read more

101 customers mention "Community value"98 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's focus on community. They find it compassionate and insightful, providing a unique perspective on social bonds and belonging. The book helps readers better understand the need for accountability and comradery for mankind.

"...Sebastian Junger dives into the importance of community, belonging, and how modern society often disconnects us from the sense of tribe that’s..." Read more

"...Nevertheless, there is hope and healing in Christ and there are ways to restructure our own lives so that we can enjoy our fellowship even in this..." Read more

"...These things help heal the traumatized warrior. Warriors need a purpose outside of war. We need to give them their purpose in society back...." Read more

"...It is very well written, and I saw and felt what the author wrote. I calmly, and surprisingly, learned a lot I never knew and began to understand!..." Read more

70 customers mention "Story quality"54 positive16 negative

Customers find the book has interesting stories and observations. They appreciate the good storytelling, intelligent writing, and weaving together anthropology, history, and adventure. The book provides historical context for phenomena we see today and instills compassion in readers. It draws from examples in history to prove its points, though some references can be disturbing at times.

"Big fan of Junger - not his best work, but interesting material. Well worth the read" Read more

"First of all, Junger is not a novelist. He is a researcher and a chronicler of events...." Read more

"...It is us. Junger opens with a brilliant narrative—footnote free and wonderfully informative—of how primitive tribes, societies and..." Read more

"I liked the facts and storytelling in this book. The author doesn't overstay his welcome. The argument is clear but not airtight...." Read more

59 customers mention "Presentation"59 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's presentation. They find it insightful and well-written, providing an illustrative look into modern society. The writing conveys both the terror and beauty of the human condition in a relatively short book. Readers also mention that the book provides an amazing look at community.

"...His writing is impeccable. I have shared this book many times because I believe it is so important...." Read more

"...The lived in a beautiful wilderness, and they shared the beauty with each other...." Read more

"...this book with great interest, not for the talk of PTSD but as a fascinating look at what most veterans talk about missing about the military no..." Read more

"...However, this book was well researched , well-thought out, and well-written with not only supporting statistics and scholarly statements but..." Read more

23 customers mention "Pacing"23 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it an engaging read with a direct and lively prose. The exploration of experiences from many walks is described as eye-opening. Readers praise the author as a talented storyteller and consider him an exceptional journalist, though some feel his political commentary lacks depth.

"...It’s a moving book that inspires me to try and change my community and society for the better rather than be complicit with all the divisiveness I..." Read more

"Junger as correspondent is exceptional! Junger as political commentator - not so much...." Read more

"Junger is very macho and presents his adventures well. Problem: we are not going to adopt an Iriquois tribal system ...not here and now...." Read more

"...It's easy to read and very moving! Highly recommended." Read more

22 customers mention "Value for money"11 positive11 negative

Customers have different views on the book's value for money. Some find it good quality for the price, while others say it's small and not worth the price.

"...Well worth the short investment in time for what you will walk away with." Read more

"...Prompted me to order all of his books. He makes me think. His books are smaller In The number of pages" Read more

"...The one-page Postscript alone is worth the price of admission." Read more

"...This may be a NYT Bestseller, but it is the most overpriced book, word-for word that I have ever had the misfortune to buy...." Read more

BUY THIS: To all my ex-military friends, first responders, nurses!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
BUY THIS: To all my ex-military friends, first responders, nurses!!!!
This book manages to describe the importance of having a community that both understands and supports you. I’ve listened to this book no less than five times on Audible. And I have the paper copy, which has been highlighted to no end. One of my favorite quotes? “Humans don’t mind hardship, in fact they thrive on it; what they mind is not feeling necessary. Modern society has perfected the art of making people not feel necessary.”If you got back from a deployment, humanitarian aid mission, traumatic “normal” day as a first responder or ER nurse? Read this. You will know you are not alone and the anger you may feel that no one else “gets it” will make sense.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Katlyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I picked up Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging after hearing Joe Rogan recommend it, and I’m really glad I did! It’s a short book, but it packs a punch. Sebastian Junger dives into the importance of community, belonging, and how modern society often disconnects us from the sense of tribe that’s essential for well-being. It’s thought-provoking and really makes you reconsider how we live today.

    If you’re short on time, I’d recommend the audiobook first – it’s a great listen and really engages you in the topic. Highly recommend this book if you're looking for something insightful and impactful, even though it's a quick read!
    One person found this helpful
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  • JoshFernandez
    5.0 out of 5 stars A timely and important read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I think addressing the importance of connectedness is the single most important cultural endeavor today. Highly recommend.
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  • Maestrogris
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Big fan of Junger - not his best work, but interesting material. Well worth the read
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  • Styles
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really important book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Junger is the penultimate journalist who researches thoroughly and draws appropriate conclusions. His writing is impeccable. I have shared this book many times because I believe it is so important. In Tribe, he clearly explains what we have given up for capitalism. He explains why PTSD is rampant among veterans; why there is less mental illness in times of shared danger than in times of prosperity. Most importantly, he explains why both liberal and conservative ideologies are correct--and begs us to meld them into a more productive ideology, Read this book!!!
    One person found this helpful
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  • L.Hoang
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What an incredibly insightful book and realization of the way we live in today’s culture and society vs. those before us. Highly recommend this read for anyone on where we are as a society, what it means to have and build community and its importance and what we should look for or do moving forward!
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  • James C. Schoene
    3.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Premise but...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I fully concur with the previous 3&4 star reviews. I want to add that I think some of his conclusions about the 2008 financial collapse, the strident partisan division in our country, and disparate chasm of wealth distribution are too simplistic and lack academic rigor. Given his age, I can only attribute his perspective, as portrayed in this book, as coming from one who does not have the perspective of those of us who have lived long enough to see the bigger picture. Further, with all due respect to his journalist courage in sojourning to hostile areas, it's not the same as making a conscious sacrificial commitment to military service which results in combat experience. No doubt he has experienced PTS to a certain degree but in some ways it's similar to being an expatriate on a three year corporate sponsored assignment in a foreign country and then repatriating to the USA. Shooting at and being shot at in anger as a military service member is distinctly unique. Additionally, on page 110, he comments that returning soldiers for the past decade and a half have been experiencing the gap between their wartime tribe and stateside lack of sacrifice. As a two combat tour Vietnam veteran, I know for a fact this cognitive dissidence go back at least 50 years, and perhaps even to the Korean War era.
    Having said all the above, I did find the tribal premise and selected illustrations to be informative and helpful as I prepare to make a presentation before a local military support organization in my town for the purpose of me providing career assessment and coaching of veterans and their families. My premise comports with Junger's 'tribe' idea in that I am committed to assisting our vets in crisis find a new 'Mission' in life that will also generate income streams. It's not 'the' solution but a facet of the multilayered holistic solution.
    23 people found this helpful
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  • John
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Nice product, works as described.
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  • Milch Wolfson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good premise, hard to follow
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book has a powerful premise. And after reading it, I did feel inspired to create more strong-bonded community in my life.

    Though the writing style wasn't my favorite. He doesn't write with a clear throughline. He kind of pummels you with hundreds of statistics and anecdotes that are related, and by the end of each chapter you kind of get what he's trying to convey.

    Some people might find the writing style, but idk, i found it to be scattered and unfocused
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Steph K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking
    Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I previously read "Freedom" by Sebastian Junger and I liked it alot. But I found Tribe hard to put down. It was a fluid, easy read that really had me thinking about society today and why we are struggling the way we are...it's our lack of community. This book has pushed me to seek out people in person more often as a small step to building more community in my life.
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  • edgar
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A very well written book with a ton of interesting comparative facts to substantiate the points.
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    edgar
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A must read book

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2023
    A very well written book with a ton of interesting comparative facts to substantiate the points.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book on what it means to live in a human society
    Reviewed in India on March 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I was intrigued by his take on what makes humans happy e.g. One can peacefully sleep in a group of 30 people in war zone vs a very disturbed sleep for a solo hiker in a serene forest. Loved this example and there are many point he made which are quite deep.
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  • Philippe G.E. HAMON
    5.0 out of 5 stars Livre exceptionnel
    Reviewed in France on August 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Livre très interressant que j'ai beaucoup apprécié. Livraison efficace. Explications très succintes des propos de cet auteur très connu dans son domaine.
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  • Leist
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful analysis of how western society has organized everyday life and how it is affecting us
    Reviewed in Germany on September 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Why are suicide rates in western societies so high? Why do soldiers miss the war, even though it was a terrible experience? How are we organized, how do we take care of each other - and why do so many people in our society fall through the cracks?
    This book raises these questions, analizes them and offers new views. What this book thankfully does not do: It does not offer an easy solution - because there probably isn't one.
    After reading trough this book in a day and a half I understood more about my society, about my own behavior and about the human race as a whole. The book itself is - as usual with Sebastian Junger - very well written, very easy to digest while at the same time not being superficial. It is a must read for everyone who is interested in society, in the human kind, in conflict and in how one works.
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