Book description
Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle isn't just a novel-it's a cultural lightning strike, and its audiobook adaptation makes the experience utterly immersive. Hearing Vonnegut's signature deadpan cadence (or a masterful narrator channeling it) transforms the satire into something intimate, almost conspiratorial. You don't just read about the absurdity of human folly; you feel it settle in your bones as the narrator casually drops lines like, "We are all of us prisoners of a very small number of ideas." The book's core premise-a deadly chemical called ice-nine capable of freezing all water on Earth-sounds like a sci-fi trope, but Vonnegut weaponizes it to dissect our collective delusions about progress, religion, and the very notion of "safety."
What elevates this audiobook is how perfectly the medium suits Vonnegut's voice. His humor isn't loud; it's a quiet, devastating chuckle beneath the surface of apocalyptic dread. When the narrator describes the fictional religion Bokononism-a system built on "foma" (harmless lies that help people cope)-you hear the irony in every syllable. The audiobook's pacing mirrors Vonnegut's own rhythm: deliberate, unhurried, letting the weight of each observation sink in. You'll find yourself pausing mid-listen, not to process a complex plot point, but to savor how he turns a mundane detail into a razor-sharp critique of modern life.
The novel's enduring power lies in its terrifying plausibility. Hoenikker, the atomic scientist who invents ice-nine, isn't a villain-he's a detached genius, embodying the chilling reality that our greatest inventions often spring from indifference. The audiobook amplifies this unease: as the search for ice-nine spirals toward global catastrophe, the narrator's calm delivery makes the horror feel chillingly ordinary. You're not just hearing a story about the end of the world; you're hearing a mirror held up to our own era of technological hubris and hollow promises.
Vonnegut's genius is that he never shouts. His satire is a whisper that sticks. In the audiobook, that whisper becomes a companionable voice in your ear, guiding you through a world where scientists, dictators, and philosophers all miss the point. You'll laugh at the absurdity of characters like the mad dictator of San Lorenzo or the "ice-nine" conspiracy, but the laughter fades as you realize how much of it echoes in our own headlines. This isn't just a book about an apocalypse-it's a reminder that we're already living through one, one small, careless decision at a time. The audiobook doesn't just tell you to pay attention; it makes you feel the urgency in your bones. That's why Cat's Cradle remains a vital, unsettling masterpiece, decades after its publication. Listen closely-it's the most important warning you'll hear this year.
RiddleRover
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Mud Eye
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 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! A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Cool Iris
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Z-Boy
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Flyswat Briggs
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Don Stab
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Mauve Cactus
Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧
Granola
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Silver Rose
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Cuff Queen
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings.
RiddleRover
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Intimidating Presence
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. 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.
Back Bett
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Junkyard Dog
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖
Trigger Warming
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
RealmRanger
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Kinged
ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
The Flying Mouse
🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Purity
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Shwatson
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
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