Book description
Better not. That's Mary Alice's only certainty about spending a year with Grandma Dowdel. And she's right. Richard Peck's Newbery-winning sequel to Long Way from Chicago isn't just a story-it's a perfectly tuned symphony of chaos, delivered in the most intimate way possible: through sound.
The audiobook, narrated with warm, gravelly precision, makes Grandma Dowdel's kitchen feel like your own. You hear the clatter of her pots, the sharp snap of her tongue, the low hum of her neighbors' outrage. Peck's genius is in the quiet moments: a dropped pie, a whispered secret, the way Grandma turns a neighbor's small cruelty into something ridiculous. The voice doesn't shout the humor-it lets it simmer, then pops like a bubble in your ear.
You don't just read about Mary Alice's reluctant year. You feel it. The ache of missing home, the slow dawning of respect for this woman who lives by her own rules, who fixes broken things with a mix of wit and will. The narrator's pauses are perfect-letting the weight of a moment land before the next laugh hits.
It's not about the awards (though it's a NYT bestseller, ALA Best Book, etc.). It's about the way a single summer, a single year, reshapes a girl. How a woman who "shakes things up" teaches you that life isn't about avoiding the storm-it's about learning to dance in the rain she creates.
The best part? You'll laugh out loud at Grandma's schemes, then feel a lump in your throat when she shows her quiet strength. That's the magic of Peck's writing, amplified by the audiobook's intimacy. You're not listening to a story. You're sitting at the table, eating pie, and realizing Grandma Dowdel has been your secret guide all along. It's effortless, profound, and utterly unforgettable. Listen. You'll be glad you did.
Danqqqqq
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits.
Blinker
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Sly Silvermoon
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Dora the Destroyer
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨
Kawaii Red
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§
Cool Whip
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Sly Silvermoon
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Cross Thread
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ππ
Spit Turanga
The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Blade
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Nightmare King
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Mum Mary
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable.
DragonBlood
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Phoenix Tetra
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§
Purity
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze.
Atomic Blastoid
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Genghis Glyph
ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Wildcat Appaloosa
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Pearl Girl
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Gbbledgoodk
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
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