Book description
Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography Included in President Obama's 2016 Summer Reading List "Without a doubt, the finest surf book I've ever read . . . " --The New York Times Magazine Barbarian Days is William Finnegan's memoir of an obsession, a complex enchantment. Surfing only looks like a sport. To initiates, it is something else: a beautiful addiction, a demanding course of study, a morally dangerous pastime, a way of life. Raised in California and Hawaii, Finnegan started surfing as a child. He has chased waves all over the world, wandering for years through the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa. A bookish boy, and then an excessively adventurous young man, he went on to become a distinguished writer and war reporter. Barbarian Days takes us deep into unfamiliar worlds, some of them right under our noses--off the coasts of New York and San Francisco. It immerses the reader in the edgy camaraderie of close male friendships forged in challenging waves. Finnegan shares stories of life in a whites-only gang in a tough school in Honolulu. He shows us a world turned upside down for kids and adults alike by the social upheavals of the 1960s. He details the intricacies of famous waves and his own apprenticeships to them. Youthful folly--he drops LSD while riding huge Honolua Bay, on Maui--is served up with rueful humor. As Finnegan's travels take him ever farther afield, he discovers the picturesque simplicity of a Samoan fishing village, dissects the sexual politics of Tongan interactions with Americans and Japanese, and navigates the Indonesian black market while nearly succumbing to malaria. Throughout, he surfs, carrying readers with him on rides of harrowing, unprecedented lucidity. Barbarian Days is an old-school adventure story, an intellectual autobiography, a social history, a literary road movie, and an extraordinary exploration of the gradual mastering of an exacting, little-understood art.
Bad Badminton
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Eerie Mizzen
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring!
New York Mood
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. 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.
Pepper Legs
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. The app's performance is remarkable – it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Rink Ruler
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover.
Toy Peep
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment.
Storm Master
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Rusty Vortex
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. 📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜 This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
CosPlatoon
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Tan Stallion
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Don Stab
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Trash Master
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! 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. 🌟🎧
Nutmeg
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Dance Cannon
⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
ZenaCake
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Fatsy Bear
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks – this app has converted me! I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖
Trigger Warming
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
East Army
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Aqua Diva
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience.
RealmRanger
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Mastering audiobook navigation – this app's ease of use is commendable. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
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