Book description
How states are making their legal systems more equitable, seen through the story of a Black man falsely imprisoned for thirty years for murder.In 1987, Ben Spencer, a twenty-two-year-old Black man from Dallas, was convicted of murdering white businessman Jeffrey Young—a crime he didn’t commit. From the day of his arrest, Spencer insisted that it was “an awful mistake.” The Texas legal system didn’t see it that way. It allowed shoddy police work, paid witnesses, and prosecutorial misconduct to convict Spencer of murder, and it ignored later efforts to correct this error. The state’s bureaucratic intransigence caused Spencer to spend more than half his life in prison.Eventually independent investigators, new witness testimony, the foreman of the jury that convicted him, and a new Dallas DA convinced a Texas judge that Spencer had nothing to do with the killing, and in 2021 he was released from prison.As Spencer’s fight to clear himself demonstrates, our legal systems are broken: expedience is more important than the truth. That is starting to change as states across the country implement new efforts to reduce wrongful convictions, and one of the states leading the way is Texas.Award-winning journalist Barbara Bradley Hagerty has spent years digging into this issue, and she has immersed herself in Spencer’s case. She has combed police files and court records, interviewed dozens of witnesses, and had extensive conversations with Spencer, and in Bringing Ben Home she threads together two narratives: how an innocent Black man got caught up in and couldn’t escape a legal system that refused to admit its mistakes; and what Texas and other states are doing to address wrongful convictions to make the legal process more equitable for everyone.By turns fascinating and enraging, personal and provocative, Bringing Ben Home is the powerful story of one innocent man who refused to admit that he was guilty of murder, and how his plight became part of a paradigm shift in how the legal system thinks about innocence as it institutes new methods to overturn wrongful convictions to better protect people like Ben Spencer.
Rink Ruler
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Goldman
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks.
Steel Solstice
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Silver Rose
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Ship Whip
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚 I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Dream Killer
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
MuseMaster
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. ⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Grabber
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit.
Ship Whip
The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Boost
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. 🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume.
Stick Shift
The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Prone
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Sienna Princess
No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done! Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Skylark
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Spunky Chick
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Say goodbye to boring commutes – this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 🌟📚 Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Spunky Comet
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Hobo Samurai
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Double Eerie
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Moonflower
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Mt. Indiana
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
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