Book description
March 12th
The audiobook's voice is so close, like Sarah whispering over coffee. You don't just read Bibliophobia; you lean into it, hearing the crack in her voice when she talks about high school in that Cleveland suburb, the way Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye didn't just tell her about being Japanese American-it shattered her. That's her "Life Ruiner," she calls it. Books that don't just comfort but annihilate you, leaving you raw.
I've been there. That moment when a line in a book hits harder than any conversation, when the world outside the pages suddenly feels like a bad fit. Sarah lived there, building her whole life around books-teaching literature at an Ivy League school, writing criticism. Until she wasn't. The hospital. The blank page. No more Anne of Green Gables. Just... silence. And the terrifying question: Can we ever rewrite the stories that govern us?
Listening to her trace that journey-through Possession, A Tale for the Time Being, even The Last Samurai-it's not just about books. It's about how they mirror our deepest wounds. She writes about depression like it's a shadow she's carried since childhood, and the audiobook makes that shadow feel real. You hear the dark humor when she talks about books "pushing back" on lovers, the way they demand you see yourself. And the way she describes her breakdown? It's not melodramatic. It's quiet. "The world became unreadable." You feel that.
What's brilliant is how she doesn't just talk about books. She uses them to untangle her life. When she writes about The Bluest Eye again, years later, it's not nostalgia-it's a reckoning. The audiobook's pacing does this so well. Long pauses after hard truths. A soft laugh when she admits she once thought books could save her from herself. You hear the relief in her voice when she finally asks: What if the story isn't the problem? What if we are?
It's not a tidy recovery. She doesn't "beat" bibliophobia. She learns to live with it. And listening to her navigate that-through the very books that once felt like lifelines-makes you realize: sometimes the stories that break us are the ones that teach us how to mend. Not with new words, but with the old ones, held a little differently.
I finished this audiobook late last night, the room dark. For the first time since I started listening, I didn't reach for a book. I just sat with the quiet. And for the first time in a long time, it didn't feel like a void. It felt like space. Space to breathe. Space to maybe, just maybe, rewrite my own story-one sentence at a time.
Sarah Chihaya didn't just write a memoir. She gave us a map for the messy, beautiful work of living with the stories we've been given. And the best part? It's a map you can carry in your ear, anytime you need to remember you're not alone in the silence.
InsightInkwell
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CirrusFlash
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization โ top-notch. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! ๐ฑ๐ The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
CloudFrenzy
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
Frenzy
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound โ it adds a personal touch. No more straining my eyes โ this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Roller Girl
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. ๐ Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores โ a dance of productivity! ๐ถ๐ ๐ฑ Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ๐๐ฅ
Toolmaker
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
Fuzzy Claws
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. ๐ผ Merging work and pleasure โ audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! ๐ป๐ง
Icy Avenger
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Pluto
The voice actors are incredible โ they make the characters come alive. Effortless audiobook exploration โ this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Cool Law Topping
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. ๐ง This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work โ genius! ๐๐ผ AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Whip Chu
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences โ a thoughtful feature. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Slow Trot
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. ๐ฑ๐ง Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Sokol
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
Crumb Cake
๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Manly Reno
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. Mastering audiobook navigation โ this app's ease of use is commendable. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Troubled Chick
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. No more straining my eyes โ this app lets me 'read' with my ears! This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Dallas Burn
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Pecan Oblivion
Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
RiddleRanger
๐ถ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! ๐ถ๐ ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Sexy
This app has made multitasking a breeze โ I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
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