Book description
A wide-ranging anthology of essays exploring one of the most vital art forms on the planet today From the earliest computers to the smartphones in our pockets, video games have been on our screens and part of our lives for over fifty years. Critical Hits celebrates this sophisticated medium and considers its lasting impact on our culture and ourselves. This collection of stylish, passionate, and searching essays opens with an introduction by Carmen Maria Machado, who edited the anthology alongside J. Robert Lennon. In these pages, writer-gamers find solace from illness and grief, test ideas about language, bodies, power, race, and technology, and see their experiences and identities reflected in--or complicated by--the interactive virtual worlds they inhabit. Elissa Washuta immerses herself in The Last of Us during the first summer of the pandemic. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah describes his last goodbye to his father with the help of Disco Elysium. Jamil Jan Kochai remembers being an Afghan American teenager killing Afghan insurgents in Call of Duty. Also included are a comic by MariNaomi about her time as a video game producer; a deep dive into "portal fantasy" movies about video games by Charlie Jane Anders; and new work by Alexander Chee, Hanif Abdurraqib, Larissa Pham, and many more.
CyberScribe
ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Silent
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable.
Freeway
The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
ChatterChampion
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius!
Pink C
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Eye Devil
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Pusher
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. ⏰ Maximizing my time with efficient features – this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. 📚⏳ ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. 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.
NeoGermal
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Phoenix Sparrow
🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend! I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Nutmeg
I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Tall Sally
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Purity
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Barbwire
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Neophyte Believer
🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Boost Princess
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. 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!
Flashpoint
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure.
FRMhndshk
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
StarZen
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Tornado Maker
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Pockets
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. 🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration.
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