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.
Gro
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Mother Night
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Blinker
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Freeze Queen
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Parallax Sugar
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ
Pogue
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Lucifurious
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Hyper Kong
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph.
Grinch Cheese
I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Black Mustard
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Bad Beret
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Star Sword
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption.
CZR
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
RDTN
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Emerald Goddess
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
Barbwire
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch.
Honey
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
D-Hog-Day
I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Domino
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition!
Acid Gosling
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
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