Book description
Avenue of Mysteries - An Audiobook Review
John Irving's Avenue of Mysteries comes alive in audio form, turning his lush prose into a vivid sonic landscape that feels both intimate and expansive. The narrator-whose warm, expressive voice captures every nuance-guides listeners through the story with ease, making the novel's intricate plot feel effortless to follow.
The book itself is a masterful blend of humor, heart, and speculative wonder. Irving invites us into the life of Juan Diego, a Mexican boy who travels to the Philippines as an adult, carrying memories that haunt him like echoes in a canyon. At the same time, we meet his thirteen-year-old sister Lupe, a precocious mind reader who can glimpse the past with uncanny clarity and feels burdened by her uncertain vision of the future. The dynamic between the siblings is tenderly rendered; their conversations are both playful and profound, offering insights into how memory shapes identity.
What makes this audiobook especially engaging is its pacing. The narrator's clear diction and subtle emotional shifts mirror Irving's own rhythm-neither too rushed nor overly slow. Listeners will find themselves drawn to the evocative descriptions of Mexican streets and Philippine landscapes, feeling as if they are walking alongside Juan Diego through both time and place.
Critics have praised the novel for being "thoroughly modern, accessibly brainy, hilariously eccentric, and beautifully human." Those qualities translate perfectly into audio. The humor lands with a lightness that never feels forced, while the deeper themes-fate, memory, family bonds-resonate long after the final word.
In short, Avenue of Mysteries is an audiobook that delights on every level. Whether you're a longtime fan of Irving or discovering his work for the first time, this recording delivers a rich, immersive experience that will stay with listeners well beyond the last chapter.
Sir Squire
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Star Sword
Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
LoreLoomer
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Dance Cannon
This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day.
Alias Stick
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Prone
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
Potato Sub
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Pink C
💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Chip Queen
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
Jetta Talent
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. 🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 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. 💎📚 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Shadow Chaser
This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Sky
I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. 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! I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Sweetness
🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Bad Beret
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Steel Solstice
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Pixy Mox
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day.
1st Degree
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. 💼 Merging work and pleasure – audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! 💻🎧 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Divine Bramble
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Moon Cricket
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Cool Whip
🌟 Reading has never been this easy – this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. 📚💫 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
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