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.
Dora the Destroyer
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
Steel Heart
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration.
RZR
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
The Happy Jock
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app.
Celtic Charger
⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖 I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
Stone Boomstick
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages.
ManBreaker
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧 ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Koi Diva
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. 🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Skylark
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
WonderWords
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Dahlia Bumble
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Green Scavenger
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. 🌟 Making every moment count – this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! 📚💫 ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
TrixiePhany
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book.
Noise Toy
Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Venious
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Junkyard Dog
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
CyberScribe
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Serendipity
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. 🎙️ The app's functionality is a true work of art – it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. 📚🎨 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Fire Fish
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. 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!
Lady Q
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
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