Book description
A House in the Sky - Amanda Lindhout (Audiobook Review)
From the very first words of this gripping narration, you're pulled into a world that feels both wildly exotic and heartbreakingly real. The narrator's clear, unflinching voice carries Lindhout's own cadence-her warmth when recalling National Geographic-filled childhood dreams, her fierce determination in the early travel chapters, and the quiet resolve that surfaces during the darkest days of captivity.
The story is structured like a pilgrimage: the restless curiosity that drove her from Somalia to the farthest corners of Latin America, Laos, Bangladesh, and India; the professional fire she kindled as a TV reporter amid the turmoil of Afghanistan and Iraq; and finally, the moment that turns all those adventures into a 460-day ordeal. The audio treatment excels in capturing the shift from hopeful exploration to tense survival, with subtle changes in pacing and tone that mirror Lindhout's emotional journey.
What makes this audiobook truly memorable is its blend of vivid detail and raw humanity. The narrator paints the "house in the sky" not just as a physical place but as an inner refuge-a sanctuary built from memory and hope. Her careful emphasis on sensory descriptions-salt-tinged air, distant drums, the weight of silence-lets listeners feel the oppressive stillness of being held hostage, while her gentle pauses convey the quiet moments of introspection that keep Lindhout alive.
Critics have called it "exquisitely told" and "a searingly unsentimental account," and those words ring true in every frame of this recording. The narrator doesn't romanticize the violence; instead she presents a balanced portrait, offering compassion both for her younger self's naivety and for the complex humanity of her captors. That balance is what gives the story its moral depth-it isn't just about survival but about understanding forgiveness as a form of strength.
In short, A House in the Sky delivers an unforgettable listening experience: a memoir that turns personal tragedy into universal testimony. Whether you're a fan of true-story narratives or simply looking for a powerful tale of resilience, this audiobook invites you to sit with its protagonist and discover how even in the darkest nights, the mind's eye can find a sky above all walls.
Corny
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
Steel Heart
Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Rocky Highway
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. 🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Devil Chick
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true – no more hassles! Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
East Army
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
CodeExia
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. ⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Cooger
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Frosty Squid
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing.
Prof. Screw
This app has reignited my passion for literature – I'm devouring books like never before. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Slinger
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Roadblock
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
MysticMingle
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. 🎙️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. 🎶📚 Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
High Deck
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Fire Queen
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Lord Nikon
The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Scare Stone
Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊 ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Drift
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖
Stud muffin
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳
Lumberyard
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Natural Mess
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience