Book description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Big Oil and Gas Versus Democracy--Winner Take All "A rollickingly well-written book, filled with fascinating, exciting, and alarming stories about the impact of the oil and gas industry on the world today."--The New York Times Book Review In 2010, the words "earthquake swarm" entered the lexicon in Oklahoma. That same year, a trove of Michael Jackson memorabilia--including his iconic crystal-encrusted white glove--was sold at auction for over $1 million to a guy who was, officially, just the lowly forestry minister of the tiny nation of Equatorial Guinea. And in 2014, revolutionaries in Ukraine raided the palace of their ousted president and found a zoo of peacocks, gilded toilets, and a floating restaurant modeled after a Spanish galleon. Unlikely as it might seem, there is a thread connecting these events, and Rachel Maddow follows it to its crooked source: the unimaginably lucrative and equally corrupting oil and gas industry. With her trademark black humor, Maddow takes us on a switchback journey around the globe, revealing the greed and incompetence of Big Oil and Gas along the way, and drawing a surprising conclusion about why the Russian government hacked the 2016 U.S. election. She deftly shows how Russia's rich reserves of crude have, paradoxically, stunted its growth, forcing Vladimir Putin to maintain his power by spreading Russia's rot into its rivals, its neighbors, the West's most important alliances, and the United States. Chevron, BP, and a host of other industry players get their star turn, most notably ExxonMobil and the deceptively well-behaved Rex Tillerson. The oil and gas industry has weakened democracies in developed and developing countries, fouled oceans and rivers, and propped up authoritarian thieves and killers. But being outraged at it is, according to Maddow, "like being indignant when a lion takes down and eats a gazelle. You can't really blame the lion. It's in her nature." Blowout is a call to contain the lion: to stop subsidizing the wealthiest businesses on earth, to fight for transparency, and to check the influence of the world's most destructive industry and its enablers. The stakes have never been higher. As Maddow writes, "Democracy either wins this one or disappears."
Super Flick
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Sneaky Lady
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. 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! Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Roller Girl
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Pogue
ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner.
Cumulo
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ
BoomerBox
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§
Mt. Indiana
I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Genghis Glyph
Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Phoenix Sparrow
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
Hen Skittle
Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± 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.
Sugar Hiccup
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Scratch
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move.
Bug Fire
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
InfinityInsight
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Freeze Queen
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Natural Gold
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
PixelPilgrim
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ
Twinkle
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ
Mule Lock
I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π
General Broomdog
ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
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