Book description
Denied a dog, a baby, and even a faithful fiancé, Cat suddenly craves a snake: a glistening, writhing creature that can be worn like "jewelry, living jewelry" to match her black jeans. But when the budding social media star promptly loses the young "Burmie" she buys from a local pet store, she inadvertently sets in motion a chain of increasingly dire and outrageous events that comes to threaten her very survival. "Brilliantly imaginative . . . in a terrifying way" (Annie Proulx), Blue Skies follows in the tradition of T. C. Boyle's finest novels, combining high-octane plotting with mordant wit and shrewd social commentary. Here Boyle, one of the most inventive voices in contemporary fiction, transports us to water-logged and heat-ravaged coastal America, where Cat and her hapless, nature-loving family--including her eco-warrior parents, Ottilie and Frank; her brother, Cooper, an entomologist; and her frat-boy-turned-husband, Todd--are struggling to adapt to the "new normal," in which once-in-a-lifetime natural disasters happen once a week and drinking seems to be the only way to cope. But there's more than meets the eye to this compulsive family drama. Lurking beneath the banal façade of twenty-first-century Californians and Floridians attempting to preserve normalcy in the face of violent weather perturbations is a caricature of materialist American society that doubles as a prophetic warning about our planet's future. From pet bees and cricket-dependent diets to massive species die-off and pummeling hurricanes, Blue Skies deftly explores the often volatile relationships between humans and their habitats, in which "the only truism seems to be that things always get worse." An eco-thriller with teeth, Boyle's Blue Skies is at once a tragicomic satire and a prescient novel that captures the absurdity and "inexpressible sadness at the heart of everything."
Divine Bramble
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. 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.
Spoiler Betty
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time.
Feline Devil
💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
9Lives
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Little Drunk Girl
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Acetic Princess
No more hassle with converting files – ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Chocolate Thunder
💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 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.
CirrusFlash
Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Opulent Gamer
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Wanted Candy
I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session.
Feral Filly
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
PP Dubs
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Leaf Assassin
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
ReiGnZ
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧 The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
WanderWord
Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Slug-em-dog
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Goldman
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖 Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
ShadowDancer
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Mother Night
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
New York Winder
The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
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