Book description
NATIONAL BESTSELLER2022 Winner of the Golden Poppy Award for Nonfiction (California Independent Booksellers Alliance) A revelatory, urgent narrative with national implications, exploring the decline of California's largest utility company that led to countless wildfires -- including the one that destroyed the town of Paradise -- and the human cost of infrastructure failure Pacific Gas and Electric was a legacy company built by innovators and visionaries, establishing California as a desirable home and economic powerhouse. In California Burning, Wall Street Journal reporter and Pulitzer finalist Katherine Blunt examines how that legacy fell apart--unraveling a long history of deadly failures in which Pacific Gas and Electric endangered millions of Northern Californians, through criminal neglect of its infrastructure. As PG&E prioritized profits and politics, power lines went unchecked--until a rusted hook purchased for 56 cents in 1921 split in two, sparking the deadliest wildfire in California history. Beginning with PG&E's public reckoning after the Paradise fire, Blunt chronicles the evolution of PG&E's shareholder base, from innovators who built some of California's first long-distance power lines to aggressive investors keen on reaping dividends. Following key players through pivotal decisions and legal battles, California Burning reveals the forces that shaped the plight of PG&E: deregulation and market-gaming led by Enron Corp., an unyielding push for renewable energy, and a swift increase in wildfire risk throughout the West, while regulators and lawmakers pushed their own agendas. California Burning is a deeply reported, character-driven narrative, the story of a disaster expanding into a much bigger exploration of accountability. It's an American tragedy that serves as a cautionary tale for utilities across the nation--especially as climate change makes aging infrastructure more vulnerable, with potentially fatal consequences.
Thunder Nut
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
Pinup Diva
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
MysticMingle
π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Accidental Genius
ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Wheels
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Gold Dahlia
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Ex0tic
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Rummy Stickers
This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition!
Girl Brownie
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
3D Waffle
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver.
Tokyo Dream
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ
CuriousCoder
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Mr. Fabulous
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible.
Tomcat
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Bourbon Mirage
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Uncle Buddy
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Doz Killer
Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
MysticMingle
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Little Granger
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§
Foot-long Fry
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
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