Book description
Winner of the Studs and Ida Terkel PrizeA groundbreaking look at how ordinary people are fighting back against their local and state governments to keep their communities safe, by an award-winning journalist Most Americans are likely to encounter the effects of government malfeasance or neglect close to home-from their governors, mayors, town councils, school boards, police, and prosecutors. In fact, deals shrouded in darkness are regularly made at the state and local levels, often the result of closed-door discussions between governments and industry without any scrutiny whatsoever from the public. Too often, as this groundbreaking new work of investigative reporting reveals, residents are intentionally kept on the outside, struggling to get information about significant issues affecting their communities-from car crashes and dirty drinking water, to failing safety gear-until the backroom deals are done and it's too late to challenge them. A work of riveting narrative nonfiction based on years of original reporting, Backroom Deals in Our Backyards tells the story of five "accidental activists"-people from across the United States who started questioning why their local and state governments didn't protect them from issues facing their communities and why there was a frightening lack of transparency surrounding the way these issues were resolved. The secret deals, lies, and corruption they uncover shake their faith in government but move them to action. For readers of Chain of Title and Superman's Not Coming, Spivack's revealing take on a hidden dimension of American politics will outrage and educate anyone who cares about the forces shaping their own communities.
Mammoth 2
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
JK Friend
I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy. 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!
Oblivion
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Eight Patrol
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Serendipity
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. 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.
Mindless Bobcat
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature.
Jungle King
📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Dark Horse
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! 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.
Onion King
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Twix Esses
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Venom Charms
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Stickers
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail.
Spooky Yellowjacket
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Canine Hannibal
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Uncle Buddy
The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Avenge Paws
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used.
WanderWord
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Sleepwalker
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧 No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Drop Stone
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Hex Panther
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
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