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."
Toy Peep
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
Bitmap
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
MysticMingle
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§
ThreadTrail
This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. 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.
Freaky Ratbuster
Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. 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!
Dark Horse
ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day! The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Spunky Comet
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring!
Mad Rascal
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Centurion Sherman
πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
SkyGod
This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Fire Bite
ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Feral Cookie
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Metal Lady
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Rusty Vortex
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Peanut Butter Woman
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Shady Prairie
πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π 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± Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Willow Dragon
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable. 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.
NightWonka
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Prone
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
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