Book description
Evoking such classics as Elmer Gantry and The Day of the Locust, William Giraldi's About Face boldly transfers the perennial literary themes of celebrity, ambition, and obsession to twenty-first-century Boston. There we meet Val Face, a charismatic self-help guru who captivates multitudes with his uncanny ability to heal adherents using only the power of his words, the mysterious touch of his hands, and the transcendent beauty of his face.Assigned to write a profile of Val Face during his much-hyped New England tour, thirty-year-old impoverished journalist Seger Jovi pens a brutal hatchet job. But Seger, at once curious and incredulous, is soon sucked into the mystic's vortex of fame, becoming a devotee himself as he contends with the machinations and absurdities of Face's many protectors, from beefcake bodyguards to helicoptering handlers to Face's unwavering spouse, Nimble. At first unwilling to sacrifice his principles to fulfill his own ambition and rise from privation, then touched by Face's unexpected humanity, Seger oscillates between acting as Face's cynical foil and becoming his unlikely ally.Just as the exalted guru appears to be reaching the apex of his powers, danger threatens from the periphery in the form of an obsessive stalker who wants Face dead. To curb this stalker before he can do harm, Face's security team enlists the aid of Jackie Jaworski, an ex-Marine and resourceful Boston detective who moonlights as a novelist of thrillers. And so About Face, building to a denouement that will astonish readers, takes us into the convergence of violence and fame that has come to define so much of American popular culture over the last half-century.With its indelible array of characters, hypnotic pacing, and shocking conclusion--and "a mesmerizing prose style that is downright pyrotechnic in its brilliance" (Andre Dubus III)--About Face is a novel in the grand tradition that dances along the tenuous line between the sacred and the profane.
Wildcat Talent
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
Sassy Muffin
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Baby Spell
ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories.
Shady Prairie
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Natural Gold
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Upper D3ckR
I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
LocKz
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ
Firefly
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment.
Moon Peaches
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Saber-RED
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Shady Prairie
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Impulsive Flower
βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Speedwell
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient.
Tornado Maker
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days.
Tall Honey
π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
VenusLion
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem.
WonderWords
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π
Don Stab
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Back Bett
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Casanova
No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
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