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.
Tin Fox
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. 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.
Darling Peacock
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
SprkR
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
MicroStar
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Hoboken Nightingale
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. 💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Fresh Peper
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Mallow Man
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
Skool
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Glyph
ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Universe Bullet
🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖 Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Mud Eye
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Insane SweepKick
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Zorkle Sporkle
📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
Street Jolly
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Say goodbye to boring commutes – this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 🌟📚 Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Back Bett
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Alley Cat
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Pixie Taze
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧
BoomerBox
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Hyper Kong
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨ The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Firefly
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
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