Book description
"An ardent fan letter from Hornby that makes you want to re-read Great Expectations while listening to Sign o' the Times." --Vogue From the bestselling author of Just Like You, High Fidelity, and Fever Pitch, a short, warm, and entertaining book about art, creativity, and the unlikely similarities between Victorian novelist Charles Dickens and modern American rock star Prince Every so often, a pairing comes along that seems completely unlikely--until it's not. Peanut butter and jelly, Dennis Rodman and Kim Jong Un, ducks and puppies, and now: Dickens and Prince. Equipped with a fan's admiration and his trademark humor and wit, Nick Hornby invites us into his latest obsession: the cosmic link between two unlikely artists, geniuses in their own rights, spanning race, class, and centuries--each of whom electrified their different disciplines and whose legacy resounded far beyond their own time. When Prince's 1987 record Sign o' the Times was rereleased in 2020, the iconic album now came with dozens of songs that weren't on the original-- Prince was endlessly prolific, recording 102 songs in 1986 alone. In awe, Hornby began to wonder, Who else ever produced this much? Who else ever worked that way? He soon found his answer in Victorian novelist and social critic Charles Dickens, who died more than a hundred years before Prince began making music. Examining the two artists' personal tragedies, social statuses, boundless productivity, and other parallels, both humorous and haunting, Hornby shows how these two unlikely men from different centuries "lit up the world." In the process, he creates a lively, stimulating rumination on the creativity, flamboyance, discipline, and soul it takes to produce great art.
CyberScribe
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Wolf Tribune
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Omega Sub
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
RealmRanger
This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Killah Goose
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
RDTN
Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
The Shield Toronto
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Voluntary
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Criss Cross
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app.
Heaven Sent
Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Night Magnet
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
ThreadTrail
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
DollFaceKillah
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection.
Viceswerve
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition!
MysticMingle
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Lilac Lizard
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Instant Star
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Sun Leo
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
Third Moon
ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Scare Stone
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
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