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, fiancé, 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.
Teeder
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use – it's a reader's dream come true. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
Easy Street
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Hoboken Nightingale
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. No need to convert files anymore – ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Overrun
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable.
Popeye Wipeout
With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Avenge Paws
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Wonder Lady
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Taffy Duchess
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
DARK HQ
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app.
Snake Eyes
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Sugar Hiccup
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use.
Morbid Angel
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers! 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!
Sky
ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Cali Yacht
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Potato Sub
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Dark Horse
I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight.
Dahlia
Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏
Wild Hair
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Solo Kill
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Twinkle
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
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