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.
Gumby Train
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit.
Baked ZD
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LerveDr
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Trixie
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Shady Lady
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Video Game Heroine
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Beo
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Hoboken Nightingale
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Hyper Kong
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Snow Hound
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InfinityInsight
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Petite Beauty
The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
RawSkills
Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Frenzy
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience.
InsightInkwell
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Audiobook immersion without complications – this app's ease of use is commendable. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
Washer
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Blade
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Fire Sass
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Woo Woo
🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 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. 🌟🎧 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Flyswat Briggs
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. 🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole 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