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.
Killah Goose
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Video Game Heroine
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Lord Theus
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions.
Little Drunk Girl
🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Doughboy, Esq
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Devil Blade
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics.
SkyGod
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
ThreadTrail
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
BuzzMouse
💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Skirble
ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine.
Woo Woo
🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Good William
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Dance Cannon
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Sexy
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. 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!
Cougar Fuzz
I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Congo Wire
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
VenusLion
I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Knight Light
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Grave Scuttlebutt
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Gr8 Flick
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience.
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