Book description
One of the Most Anticipated Books of the Year--a masterful and engrossing novel about a single mother's collapse and the fate of her family after she enters a California state hospital in the 1970s. "A sweeping family epic that took me from one American coast to another...Simpson is so attuned to the family heart." --Weike Wang, author of Joan Is Okay When Diane Aziz drives her oldest son, Walter, from Los Angeles to college at UC Berkeley, it will be her last parental act before falling into a deep depression. A single mother who maintains a wishful belief that her children can attain all the things she hasn't, she's worked hard to secure their future in caste-driven 1980s Los Angeles, gaining them illegal entry to an affluent public school. When she enters a state hospital, her closest friend tries to keep the children safe and their mother's dreams for them alive. At Berkeley, Walter discovers a passion for architecture just as he realizes his life as a student may need to end for lack of funds. Back home in LA, his sister, Lina, who works in an ice-cream parlor while her wealthy classmates are preparing for Ivy league schools, wages a high stakes gamble to go there with them. And Donny, the little brother everybody loves, begins to hide in plain sight, coding, gaming, and drifting towards a life on the beach, where he falls into an escalating relationship with drugs. Moving from Berkeley and Los Angeles to New York and back again, this is a story about one family trying to navigate the crisis of their lives, a crisis many know first-hand in their own families or in those of their neighbors. A resonant novel about family and duty and the attendant struggles that come when a parent falls ill, Commitment honors the spirit of fragile, imperfect mothers and the under-chronicled significance of friends, in determining the lives of our children left on their own. With Commitment, Mona Simpson, one of the foremost chroniclers of the American family in our time, has written her most important and unforgettable novel.
Spunky Chick
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Switch
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 No need to convert files anymore – ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver!
Hyper Kong
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
PixelPioneer
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
AxelRoad
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use – it's a reader's dream come true. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Stacker of Wheat
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Trouble Mittens
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Gingersnap Woman
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use – it's a reader's dream come true. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Moxie
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Tse Tse Guy
With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
Joker's Grin
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable.
Flame OUT
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖
Scooby Did
This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Shy Warrior
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Sun Runner
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
High Deck
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Valley Guardian
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
RDTN
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Amphibi-Dangerous
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Junkyard Dog
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
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