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.
Starshine
🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚
ChatterChampion
👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖 The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Purity
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 🚗 Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! 🚗📚 The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
Uluru Walker
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Black Hole Necromancer
🌟 This app is a game-changer – its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. 🎉🎧 The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Gothic Slacker
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Little General
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Mum Mary
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Low Menace
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience.
Scratch Man
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
DreamDiver
🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Troubled Pie
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Trouble Mittens
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. 🎉🎧 Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Spoiler
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
Moon Solitaire
💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
West Warrior
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Cujo
💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖 Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
ThoughtTraveler
The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Manimal
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. 🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
TrinitySoul
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
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