Book description
A prize-winning Belgian poet explores the nature of creative endeavor--the godlike ambition, the crushing defeat of failure--through the stories of thirteen tragic architects. In thirteen fascinating chapters, Charlotte Van den Broeck goes in search of buildings that were fatal to their architects--architects who either killed themselves or are rumored to have done so. They range across time and space from a church with a twisted spire in seventeenth-century France to a theater that collapsed mid-performance in 1920s Washington, DC, and an eerily sinking swimming pool in the author's hometown. Drawing on a vast range of material, from Hegel and Darwin to art history, stories from her own life, and popular culture, Van den Broeck brings patterns into focus as she asks, What is that strange, life-or-death connection between a creation and its creator? Threaded through each story is the author's meditation on the question of suicide--what Albert Camus called the "one truly serious philosophical problem"--in relation to creativity and public disgrace. The result is a profoundly idiosyncratic book, breaking ground in literary nonfiction, as well as providing solace and consolation to anyone who has ever attempted a creative act.
Mad Viral
πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Sw00sh
ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Proper
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Miss Mustard
πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Whip Chu
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers.
VPR
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in!
Kickstart
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Microwave
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
GoldTouch
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Winter Bite
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. 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!
Midnight Bat
β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
FLAK Angel
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
High Kingdom Warrior
I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Sloth
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π
EchoExplorer
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π
Hitch Frenzy
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Mammoth 2
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Swampmasher
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
QuantumQuill
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. 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!
Doughboy, Esq
The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
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