Book description
In this poignant, delicious memoir, American tax preparer and food writer Steve Hoffman tells the story of how he and his family move to the French countryside, where the locals upend everything he knows about food, wine, and learning how to belong. Steve Hoffman is a perfectly comfortable middle-aged Minnesotan man who has always been desperately, pretentiously in love with France, more specifically with the idea of France. To follow that love, he and his family move, nearly at random, to the small, rural, scratchy-hot village of Autignac in the south of the country, and he immediately thinks he's made a terrible mistake. Life here is not holding your cigarette chest-high while walking to the cafΓ© and pulling off the trick of pretending to be Parisian, it's getting into fights with your wife because you won't break character and introduce your very American family to the locals, who can smell you and your perfect city-French from a mile away. But through cooking what the local grocer tells him to cook, he feels more of this place. A neighbor leads him into the world of winemaking, where he learns not as a pedantic oenophile, but bodily, as a grape picker and winemaker's apprentice. Along the way, he lets go of the abstract ideas he'd held about France, discovering instead the beauty of a culture that is one with its landscape, and of becoming one with that culture.
About the Author
Steve Hoffman shares one acre on Turtle Lake, in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his family, an ill-behaved puggle, and roughly 80,000 honeybees. He is a writer, tax preparer, and occasional French villager. He is the winner of the M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award at the James Beard Awards, as well as an IACP Bert Greene Award for narrative culinary writing and five Association of Food Journalism awards.
Fire Feline
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
AxelRoad
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Swedish Twizz
Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
Poptart AK47
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ
Lunar Treat
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears!
Troubled Pie
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient.
Carrot Joker
The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Winter Bite
βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
MysticMingle
π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Lady Pomegranate
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Star Scratch
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Tea Kettle
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. 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!
Overrun
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly.
Miss Mustard
Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Firedog
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Venious
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Twinkle
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience.
Dallas Burn
π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Digital Goddess
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Juice Petite
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
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