Book description
Discover a future where connection brews in a bowl. Annalee Newitz's Automatic Noodle isn't just a sci-fi novella-it's a warm, vital listen that transforms the humble act of making ramen into a profound statement on belonging. As an audiobook, it's pure, immersive storytelling: the crackle of a ghost kitchen, the rhythmic pull of dough, and the quiet hum of robots rediscovering purpose. You hear the team's camaraderie in their voices, their hesitation as they navigate a city still healing from war, and the genuine joy in serving hand-pulled noodles that taste like home.
Newitz masterfully avoids dystopian gloom. Instead, she crafts a near-future where community isn't just built-it's served. When a wave of malicious one-star reviews threatens their fledgling shop, the stakes feel immediate, deeply human. You don't need to be a robot to feel that sting of online hostility, or the relief of finding allies in unexpected places-neighbors, customers, even the city itself. The audiobook's pacing is perfect: quick enough to keep you hooked during your commute, rich enough to linger long after the final note.
What elevates this beyond typical genre fare is its quiet optimism. These robots aren't just surviving; they're thriving by leaning into what they know best-cooking with care. The Macmillan Audio production amplifies this beautifully. The narrator's delivery makes the robots' quirks endearing (that slight pause before a robot says "I am programmed to serve" feels like a wink), while the ambient sounds-steam, chopping, distant city buzz-pull you right into the kitchen. It's a masterclass in how audiobooks can deepen narrative texture without overwhelming it.
In a world obsessed with grand battles, Automatic Noodle finds power in the small, radical act of opening your doors. It's the perfect antidote to cynicism: a story where food, community, and a little robot resilience solve the real crises. You'll finish this audiobook not just entertained, but quietly hopeful-ready to seek out your own neighborhood kitchen, or maybe just make a bowl of noodles yourself. This isn't just a great listen; it's a reminder of how much we share, even when the world feels divided. Don't just hear it-let it nourish you.
Spunky Chick
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless.
MuseMaster
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ
Rosie Bird
This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience.
Avenge Paws
πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Roadspike
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. 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!
Murmur
π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Magenta
Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Highway
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
RZR
π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Bae
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Sidewalk Enforcer
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. 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.
Twister Hero
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Instant Star
The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Round Kick Boomer
Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
WordWanderer
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
Bugger
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Freesia
Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Juno Cream
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
CirrusFlash
Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Pixy Mox
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ
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