Book description
Imagine Brock Hobson, Sunday-school teacher by day, insurance salesman by afternoon, finally getting that blood test he'd been putting off. The results? A genetic predisposition to murder. Not exactly the news you hope for when you're trying to keep your teenage daughter's sex life and your new girlfriend's patience intact. Charles Baxter, the master of Midwestern melancholy with a wicked laugh, turns this absurd premise into something startlingly human in Blood Test: A Comedy.
Hearing this audiobook is like settling into a comfortable armchair with a friend who's about to tell you the most unsettlingly funny story you've ever heard. The narrator, with a perfect blend of dry Midwestern warmth and gentle irony, makes Brock's world feel immediate. You hear the quiet desperation in his voice as he explains to his girlfriend, Sarah, about the test results over coffee, the way his teenage son mumbles about his first date, the awkward tension when he runs into his ex-wife's new, aggressively macho contractor boyfriend at the grocery store. Baxter doesn't just tell you Brock is relatable; the audiobook makes you feel his panic, his quiet love for his kids, his genuine confusion about this genetic ghost haunting his life.
The real magic is how Baxter builds the tension not with explosions, but with the slow, steady drip of everyday life unraveling. Brock's good-as-gold girlfriend, Sarah, offers steady comfort. His ex's new guy? A walking, talking caricature of toxic masculinity, a constant low-grade threat. His kids navigating first heartbreaks and identities? They're not just plot points; their voices, heard through the audiobook's nuanced delivery, ground the story in real, messy humanity. The secondary characters aren't just supporting; they're the very fabric of Brock's crumbling, then slowly rebuilding, sense of self.
You don't just hear the story; you feel the weight of Brock's choices settling on your own shoulders. The tension builds steadily, not through melodrama, but through the quiet, devastating moments of connection and misconnection. That final scene? It's not a grand battle, but a small, perfect moment of understanding, delivered with such quiet power in the audio that it hits you right in the chest. Baxter reminds us, through Brock's journey, that love isn't about perfect choices or avoiding messy people. It's about showing up, accepting the flawed, complicated humans around you, and choosing to love them anyway. Blood Test: A Comedy isn't just a funny book about a blood test. It's a deeply human, brilliantly narrated reminder of how we all navigate the terrifying, hilarious, ordinary chaos of being alive. Press play, and let Baxter's voice guide you through the perfect storm of a very normal life.
Twix Bond
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Roadblock
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Undergrad
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment.
K-Tin Man
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
FRMhndshk
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
GiddeeUP
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation.
SprkR
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
All Natural
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Aqua Monsoon
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. 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!
Bad Beret
Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
StorySculptor
ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Honey
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. 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!
Jo Jo Spooky
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Zero Charisma
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey.
Guncap Slingbad
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Nibbler
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§
MindfulMingle
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
QuestWeaver
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
RDTN
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Tangerine
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature.
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