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.
Automatic Slicer
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Lady Fantastic
This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Lucky Aurora
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
BlackExcalibur
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app.
Sir Shove
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
101
Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Blizzard Vixen
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Flyswat Briggs
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
StarStrider
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again.
Palomino
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. 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.
Queen Bee
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Gov Skull
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. 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!
Stud muffin
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. 🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Flint Cast-Iron
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel.
SneakerKid
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Snake Eyes
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧 Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Moon Cricket
💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Twiddle Twix
Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Romance Guppy
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition!
SkyGod
Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
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