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."
Hemingway Mirmillone
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Zero Charisma
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Kill Switch
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience.
Good William
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Dropkick
Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
JK Friend
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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!
Engine Eye
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze.
Mad Rascal
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in!
101
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey.
Trash Master
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. 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.
Bad Beh8vior
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition!
Scrapper
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Oblivion
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
Miss Twilight
βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
Blue Despair
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯
Aqua Diva
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it.
Street Jolly
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§
RightN0w2
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Soda Delirium
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Natural Gold
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
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