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.
Station WMD
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. 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. 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.
Atlantic Rim
πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Frosty
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Eight Patrol
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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! 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.
Elektrik
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
Kinged
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§
ManMaker
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§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
MicroStar
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Jersey
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
RiddleRover
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§
Miss Twilight
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity.
Avenge Paws
Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Baby Brown
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Knight Light
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Freeze Queen
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Firedog
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ±
Star Killer
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Spoiler
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word.
Homerun Diva
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Dance Bloom
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
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