Book description
Joan Didion is revealed at last in this outrageously provocative and profoundly moving new work on the mutual attractions--and mutual antagonisms--of Didion and her fellow literary titan, Eve Babitz. Could you write what you write if you weren't so tiny, Joan? --Eve Babitz, in a letter to Joan Didion, 1972 Joan Didion, revealed at last... Eve Babitz died on December 17, 2021. Found in the wrack, ruin, and filth of her apartment, a stack of boxes packed by her mother decades before. The boxes were pristine, the seals of duct tape unbroken. Inside, a lost world. This world turned for a certain number of years in the late sixties and early seventies, and centered on a two-story rental in a down-at-heel section of Hollywood. 7406 Franklin Avenue, a combination salon-hotbed-living end where writers and artists mixed with movie stars, rock 'n' rollers, and drug trash. 7406 Franklin Avenue was the making of one great American writer: Joan Didion, a mystery behind her dark glasses and cool expression; an enigma inside her storied marriage to John Gregory Dunne, their union as tortured as it was enduring. 7406 Franklin Avenue was the breaking and then the remaking--and thus the true making--of another great American writer: Eve Babitz, goddaughter of Igor Stravinsky, nude of Marcel Duchamp, consort of Jim Morrison (among many, many others), a woman who burned so hot she finally almost burned herself alive. Didion and Babitz formed a complicated alliance, a friendship that went bad, amity turning to enmity. Didion, in spite of her confessional style, is so little known or understood. She's remained opaque, elusive. Until now. With deftness and skill, journalist Lili Anolik uses Babitz, Babitz's brilliance of observation, Babitz's incisive intelligence, and, most of all, Babitz's diary-like letters--letters found in those sealed boxes, letters so intimate you don't read them so much as breathe them--as the key to unlocking Didion.
About the Author
Lili Anolik is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and a writer at large for Air Mail. Her last book, the L.A. Times bestseller Hollywood's Eve, was also published by Scribner. Her last podcast, Once Upon a Time... at Bennington College, was produced by Cadence13. In 2024, she was a finalist for the National Magazine Award for profile writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.
Impulse
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π
Divine Quasar
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Girl Brownie
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app.
TulipCake
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Frosty Sunshine
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey.
Manly
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures.
Freesia
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Cabbie
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
M8deUp
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
Slinger
Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
PixelPioneer
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Runway Darling
ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
CirrusFlash
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ππ§
Snapple Whistler
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files.
Gothic Slacker
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch.
Spunky Comet
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
BlackExcalibur
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Twister Hero
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
High Kingdom Warrior
This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers.
ThreadTraveler
Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
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