Book description
Beautiful Things - An Audiobook Review
Hunter Biden's memoir Beautiful Things is now available as an audiobook, and it delivers a profoundly moving experience that lingers long after the final word is spoken. The narrator-whose voice carries a quiet gravity and unforced sincerity-captures every nuance of Biden's story: the raw grief of childhood tragedy, the crushing weight of losing his brother Beau, and the relentless spiral into addiction.
What makes this audiobook so compelling is its honesty. As Entertainment Weekly noted, the book is "unflinchingly honest," and that truth translates perfectly to audio. The narrator never shies from the painful details; instead, they are delivered with a gentle restraint that invites listeners to feel rather than judge. This approach turns each chapter into an intimate conversation, as if Biden were confiding in a close friend.
The pacing is another strength. The story unfolds in clear, digestible segments that allow listeners to pause and reflect-a crucial feature when dealing with such heavy themes. Between the vivid recollections of his early life and the stark portrayal of his addiction, there are moments of quiet introspection where the narrator's tone softens, letting the emotional weight settle.
Dave Eggers' description of the book as "an astonishingly candid and brave book about loss, human frailty, wayward souls, and hard-fought redemption" rings true in audio form. The narrator's performance captures that bravery: there is no melodrama, only a steady, earnest delivery that respects the gravity of Biden's journey while also highlighting his eventual hope.
The ending-where Hunter emerges sober, married, and welcoming a new baby-is especially resonant. The narrator conveys a sense of relief and renewed appreciation for "beautiful things" in life, leaving listeners with an uplifting note that balances the earlier sorrow. It's a testament to human resilience and the possibility of redemption even after profound loss.
In sum, Beautiful Things as an audiobook is a masterclass in storytelling. The narrator brings Hunter Biden's candid reflections to life with empathy and precision, making this memoir accessible to anyone who has faced hardship or simply seeks a powerful narrative about love, loss, and recovery. If you're looking for a book that will move you deeply while also inspiring hope, this audiobook is the perfect choice.
NexusNomad
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Old Regret
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ
Shadow Bishop
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure.
Devil Chick
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
Feline Devil
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Heaven Sent
With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Suicide Jockey
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features.
Microwave
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Good William
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
NexusNomad
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Fire Queen
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Kazmii
Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Palomino Cake
The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny! 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.
Risen
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Doughboy, Esq
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
MysticMingle
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Mother Hen
πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Fire Fish
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Boo
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
21st Street
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
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