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.
Twister Hero
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Diamond Gamer
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
Kamikaze Granny
This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Golden Cougar
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
HolyCombo
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
Wild Kitten
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π
Lady Katniss
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy.
Sir Shove
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. 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! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Gbbledgoodk
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π«
Squatch
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. ππ§ Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Amphibi-Dangerous
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Demo
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Domino Combat
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π 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.
Crazy Eights
Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Kamikaze Grandma
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Mad Jack
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Snow Hound
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate. One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
BlackExcalibur
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Zesty Dragon
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Nutmeg Riot
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
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