Book description
Did You Ever Have a Family - An Audiobook Review
Bill Clegg's debut novel, Did You Ever Have a Family, has already earned the New York Times bestseller tag and long-listing for the National Book Award, Man Booker Prize, PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, and Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence. It is described as "masterly" by the NYT Book Review and called a "brilliantly constructed debut" by the Man Booker judges. The audiobook delivers that same power in an intimate, immersive way.
From the very first words, the narrator's voice captures June Reid's stunned silence after her family-daughter, fiancΓ©, ex-husband, boyfriend-vanishes in one instant. Her grief is palpable, and as she drives across the country, the sound of tires on pavement and wind through trees becomes a companion to her wandering thoughts. The production quality is top-notch: clear enunciation, subtle pacing that lets each emotional beat settle, and background sounds that hint at June's lonely road without pulling focus.
What makes this audiobook especially compelling is how it weaves the lives of the secondary characters into June's journey. The couple running a motel on the Pacific Ocean, the forgotten wedding caterer, Luke's mother-each voice brings its own texture to the story, and their interactions feel like real conversations over coffee or at a kitchen table. The narrator skillfully shifts between perspectives, giving each character depth while keeping the overarching narrative tight.
Clegg's prose is elegant yet accessible; the audiobook version preserves that elegance while adding warmth through vocal nuance. Moments of heartbreak are balanced with quiet hope-when June finds a new home by the sea or when old wounds begin to heal in unexpected ways. The story celebrates both biological and chosen families, showing how shared pain can forge bonds stronger than blood alone.
If you're looking for an audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings, Did You Ever Have a Family is the perfect choice. It's a testament to human resilience, forgiveness, and the unexpected ways we find belonging after loss.
Woo Woo
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
Club Nola
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Mrs. Voltage
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Tomcat
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift.
Houston Rocket
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Sly Bible
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner.
White Dragon
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Apex
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Moon Peaches
π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Cricket
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever.
Crazy Eights
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Most Wanted
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Fuzzy Claws
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Pixie Taze
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast.
WonderWords
Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Athena Star
The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Sugar Domino
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Boost
I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. 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.
Armed Hawk
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
SereneScribe
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ππ Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
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