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.
Versace-Cat
Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Sweetness
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
Proper
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips.
Innocent Ghost
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Sw33per
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
Sky Trinity
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Doughboy, Esq
Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊 The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption.
InsightfulInk
🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. 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!
Santa's Little Helper
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Devil Blade
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Miss Nova
🎶 Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls – this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. 🎵📖 Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Opulent Gamer
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
MeeP
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Cabbie
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Double Eerie
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures.
Trigger Warming
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. 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.
Vicious Street
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session?
Athens Fire
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. 💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Marigold Loot
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Saturn Extreme
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout.
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