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.
German Coach
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Martini Flower
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Back Bett
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Zorkle Sporkle
The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Hyper Kong
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Firedog
The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Captain Peroxide
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Rope
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph.
NecroBull
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Devil Blade
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Vixen
ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Cumulo
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π
Yellow Menace
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Noh Noh
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users.
Thumb Candy
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Hermopolis
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Lounge Master
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ±
Slacker Cat
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Tall Honey
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
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