Book description
One of Literary Hub's Most Anticipated Books of 2025 One of The Millions' Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2025 A young woman’s seasonal job working a sugar beet harvest takes a surreal turn in this surprising and vivid debut. Elise and her boyfriend, Tom, set off for Minnesota, hoping the paycheck from the sugar beet harvest will cover the rent on their Brooklyn apartment. Amidst the grueling work and familiar anxieties about her finances, Elise starts noticing strange things: threatening phone calls, a mysterious rash, and snatches of an ominous voice coming from the beet pile. When Tom and other coworkers begin to vanish, Elise is left alone to confront the weight of her past, the horrors of her uncertain future, and the menacing but enticing siren song of the beets. Biting, eerie, and confidently told, Beta Vulgaris harnesses a distinct voice and audacious premise to undermine straightforward narratives of class, trauma, consumption, and redemption.Review"I’m trying to create a niche for myself as the preeminent weird-girl-book guy. To cement my legacy, I’m recommending Beta Vulgaris, a very weird book that I’m very excited for! When a young woman and her boyfriend start working a seasonal job at a sugar beet farm, she wants to make enough money to pay her rent for a few months. What she gets is a string of mysterious disappearances and a pile of beets that seems to be talking to her. Thank you Margie Sarsfield for your contribution to the “vegetable gothic” canon." -McKayla Coyle, Literary Hub "Named for the humble beet plant and meaning, in a rough translation from the Latin, “vulgar second,” Sarsfield’s surreal debut finds a seasonal harvest worker watching her boyfriend and other colleagues vanish amid “the menacing but enticing siren song of the beets.”" -John H. Maher, The Millions "Uncanny and electric and quietly harrowing. . . . Margie Sarsfield dazzles us and challenges us, delivering a novel so vivid and memorable, I’ll be thinking of beet pilers for years to come." -Danya Kukafka, author of Notes on an ExecutionAbout the AuthorMargie Sarsfield was the recipient of the 2019 Calvino Prize. She earned her MFA from Ohio State University. Her work has appeared in Salt Hill, CutBank, the Normal School, Seneca Review, Hippocampus, and elsewhere. She lives in Reno, Nevada.
ZenaCake
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Snowflake Pixie
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Gov Skull
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever.
Hoover Spark
Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Dallas Burn
ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Tin Fox
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. 📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫
Trash
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Twinkle Cutlass
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout.
InsightInkwell
The app is lightweight and doesn’t drain my battery. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
SmartieQuest
🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature.
Toy Peep
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
InsightfulInk
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read – this app is always ready. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.
K-9
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable.
Pixie
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is impressive. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
Flotsams54
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. 💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Devil Chick
Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Seal Snake
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Midas
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content.
Moon Solitaire
Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. 📚👌 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Drugstore Cowboy
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
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