Book description
Updated to include a new chapter about the influence of social media and the Internet--the 20th anniversary edition of Bowling Alone remains a seminal work of social analysis, and its examination of what happened to our sense of community remains more relevant than ever in today's fractured America. Twenty years, ago, Robert D. Putnam made a seemingly simple observation: once we bowled in leagues, usually after work; but no longer. This seemingly small phenomenon symbolized a significant social change that became the basis of the acclaimed bestseller, Bowling Alone, which The Washington Post called "a very important book" and Putnam, "the de Tocqueville of our generation." Bowling Alone surveyed in detail Americans' changing behavior over the decades, showing how we had become increasingly disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and social structures, whether it's with the PTA, church, clubs, political parties, or bowling leagues. In the revised edition of his classic work, Putnam shows how our shrinking access to the "social capital" that is the reward of communal activity and community sharing still poses a serious threat to our civic and personal health, and how these consequences have a new resonance for our divided country today. He includes critical new material on the pervasive influence of social media and the internet, which has introduced previously unthinkable opportunities for social connection--as well as unprecedented levels of alienation and isolation. At the time of its publication, Putnam's then-groundbreaking work showed how social bonds are the most powerful predictor of life satisfaction, and how the loss of social capital is felt in critical ways, acting as a strong predictor of crime rates and other measures of neighborhood quality of life, and affecting our health in other ways. While the ways in which we connect, or become disconnected, have changed over the decades, his central argument remains as powerful and urgent as ever: mending our frayed social capital is key to preserving the very fabric of our society.
JigKraken
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Freeway
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience.
Psycho Thinker
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Uncle Buddy
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
Jigsaw
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ 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!
DreadSherX
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible.
Cooger
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Sick Saurus
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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!
Troublemasher
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Y0dler
I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! 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!
Bat Magenta
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Rosie Bird
π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. 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.
Shooter
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. 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!
The China Wall
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Abiss
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Sky
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Cardinal Rebel
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
The Beekeeper
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π
MrOnsTr
With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Lady Fantastic
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content.
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