Book description
A New York Times Notable Book of 2020 "[A] sweeping and authoritative history" (The New York Times Book Review), Black Wave is an unprecedented and ambitious examination of how the modern Middle East unraveled and why it started with the pivotal year of 1979. Kim Ghattas seamlessly weaves together history, geopolitics, and culture to deliver a gripping read of the largely unexplored story of the rivalry between between Saudi Arabia and Iran, born from the sparks of the 1979 Iranian revolution and fueled by American policy. With vivid story-telling, extensive historical research and on-the-ground reporting, Ghattas dispels accepted truths about a region she calls home. She explores how Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, once allies and twin pillars of US strategy in the region, became mortal enemies after 1979. She shows how they used and distorted religion in a competition that went well beyond geopolitics. Feeding intolerance, suppressing cultural expression, and encouraging sectarian violence from Egypt to Pakistan, the war for cultural supremacy led to Iran's fatwa against author Salman Rushdie, the assassination of countless intellectuals, the birth of groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the September 11th terrorist attacks, and the rise of ISIS.Ghattas introduces us to a riveting cast of characters whose lives were upended by the geopolitical drama over four decades: from the Pakistani television anchor who defied her country's dictator, to the Egyptian novelist thrown in jail for indecent writings all the way to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Black Wave is both an intimate and sweeping history of the region and will significantly alter perceptions of the Middle East.
Dark Matter
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§
Doughboy, Esq
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
K-9
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature!
Troubled Pie
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Murmur
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Whip 2T
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Thunder Tank
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Nessie Pork
ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Wiccan Thunder
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Low Menace
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
ThermalMode
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
VPR
ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
New York Mood
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
Pearl Girl
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Gov Skull
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Freeze Queen
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Elder Pogue
I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Pigeon Woman
π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. 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.
Lumberyard
The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Wiccan Thunder
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. 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!
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