Book description
From the bestselling social commentator and cultural historian comes Barbara Ehrenreich's fascinating exploration of one of humanity's oldest traditions: the celebration of communal joy In the acclaimed Blood Rites, Barbara Ehrenreich delved into the origins of our species' attraction to war. Here, she explores the opposite impulse, one that has been so effectively suppressed that we lack even a term for it: the desire for collective joy, historically expressed in ecstatic revels of feasting, costuming, and dancing. Ehrenreich uncovers the origins of communal celebration in human biology and culture. Although sixteenth-century Europeans viewed mass festivities as foreign and "savage," Ehrenreich shows that they were indigenous to the West, from the ancient Greeks' worship of Dionysus to the medieval practice of Christianity as a "danced religion." Ultimately, church officials drove the festivities into the streets, the prelude to widespread reformation: Protestants criminalized carnival, Wahhabist Muslims battled ecstatic Sufism, European colonizers wiped out native dance rites. The elites' fear that such gatherings would undermine social hierarchies was justified: the festive tradition inspired French revolutionary crowds and uprisings from the Caribbean to the American plains. Yet outbreaks of group revelry persist, as Ehrenreich shows, pointing to the 1960s rock-and-roll rebellion and the more recent "carnivalization" of sports. Original, exhilarating, and deeply optimistic, Dancing in the Streets concludes that we are innately social beings, impelled to share our joy and therefore able to envision, even create, a more peaceable future. "Fascinating . . . An admirably lucid, level-headed history of outbreaks of joy from Dionysus to the Grateful Dead."--Terry Eagleton, The Nation
Mad Irishman
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! 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.
Bliss
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Frosty Sunshine
👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 💼 Making every minute count – this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. 📱📖 ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
ThreadTrail
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
FlyGuardX
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Spellbinder
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions.
Sweetness
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
GiddeeUP
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Drift
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Sloth
With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Centurion Sherman
Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Toolmaker
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Devil Bread
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
2nd Hand Joe
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Day Hawk
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience.
Wildcat Talent
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑
Fire Sass
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. 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. 📚🎧 The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
AlertXis
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. 🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
ForumFusion
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read – this app is always ready. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections.
Curio
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good!
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