Book description
"Sally Franson is a world class entertainer. She can finesse a serio-comic moment in a way that leaves you catching your breath. Deft and delicious, this book is a flat out delight machine. A heart opener, a page turner, and a true 'originell!' I laughed out loud, I ugly cried, and I never, ever wanted it to end." -- Meg Ryan, actor, writer, directorA charming, wise, and laugh-out-loud funny novel following an American woman competing on a Swedish reality show in an attempt to discover her roots. Paulie Johansson has never put much stock in the idea of family: she has her long-term boyfriend Declan and beloved best friend Jemma, and that's more than enough for her. Yet one night on a lark, she lets Jemma convince her to audition for Sverige och Mig, a show on Swedish television where Swedish-Americans compete to win the ultimate prize: a reunion with their Swedish relatives. Much to her shock, her drunken submission video wins her a spot on the show, and against Declan's advice Paulie decides to go for it.Armed with her Polaroid camera, a beat-up copy of Pippi Longstocking, and an unquenchable sense of possibility, Paulie hops on a plane to Sweden and launches into the contest with seven other Americans, all under the watchful eye of a camera crew. At first, Paulie is certain that she and her competitors have nothing in common besides their passports and views their bloodthirsty ambitions with suspicion. Yet amid the increasingly absurd challenges--rowing from Denmark to Sweden in the freezing rain, battling through obstacle courses, competing in a pickled herring eating contest--Paulie finds herself rethinking her snap judgments about her fellow countrymen, while her growing attachment to her Swedish roots increases her resolve to win the competition herself.Grappling with long-held notions of family, friendship, and love--not to mention her feelings for the distractingly handsome Swedish cameraman who's been assigned to follow her around--Paulie starts to reconsider her past and rethink what she wants for the future. A fish-out-of-water tale filled with warmth, optimism, and wit, Big in Sweden is at its heart a love story: love for family, friends, country, and--most importantly--oneself. "If you devoured Pippi Longstocking as a kid, you will not be able to turn away from Big in Sweden. Reading this hilarious, heartfelt book was even more fun than watching reality television. I absolutely loved it!" -- Jessica Anya Blau, author of Mary Jane
About the Author
Sally Franson is the author of A Lady's Guide to Selling Out. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Best American Travel Writing, and on NPR, among other places. She grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and was educated at Barnard College and the University of Minnesota. She lives in Minneapolis.
Cougar Fuzz
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
9Lives
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
High Beam
CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Scuffs
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Stone Boomstick
An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Switch
The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Killer Merlot
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Pink Nightmare
π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Knuckles
The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Treasure Devil
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. 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.
Parallax Sugar
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Blistered Outlaw
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
Mirage
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Deano
π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Bug Fire
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Atlantic Rim
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Kazami of Truth
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Shady Lady
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Mr. 44
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
East Army
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
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