Book description
Nghi Vo's Don't Sleep with the Dead arrives as a masterclass in magical realism, perfectly tailored for the audiobook format. This standalone companion to The Chosen and the Beautiful delivers a haunting, intimate exploration of Nick Carraway's hidden life in 1930s New York. Narrator David L. Lander captures Nick's quiet desperation with chilling precision-his voice a steady current beneath the surface chaos of high society's magical underbelly.
Nick, a "paper soldier" navigating a world that demands he pretend to be straight, human, and unburdened, finds his carefully constructed facade shattered. The novella's brilliance lies in its focus on memory: Nick's past isn't just recalled, it's remembered by others. When Gatsby's ghost reappears, it's not a specter of the past but a living echo demanding reckoning. "In all paper there is memory," Vo writes, and the audiobook makes that line resonate through Lander's subtle shifts-his voice tightening when Nick suppresses truth, softening when memory surfaces.
Set against the tense backdrop of pre-WWII New York, the story avoids grand spectacle for raw emotional precision. Nick isn't the observer he claims; he's the one being watched, his secrets as fragile as the paper he writes on. Gatsby's return isn't about romance but about accountability-his ghost forces Nick to confront the cost of his lies, both to others and himself. The narrative's power comes from its restraint: Vo never explains the magic, letting its emotional weight speak through Nick's quiet unraveling.
The audiobook elevates this. Lander's pacing mirrors Nick's internal rhythm-slow, deliberate, charged with unspoken tension. A whispered confession, the rustle of a newspaper, the distant hum of a jazz club-all feel immediate, pulling listeners into Nick's isolated world. You hear the weight of every "pretend" he's ever uttered.
This isn't just a Great Gatsby reimagining. It's a profound character study of complicity and the ghosts we carry. Vo reclaims Nick from Fitzgerald's shadow, revealing him as a man drowning in the very lies he used to survive. The ending lands with devastating simplicity: memory isn't passive. It's active. It's alive. And it won't let you sleep. For fans of The Chosen and the Beautiful, this novella is essential. For new listeners, it's a revelation-a reminder that the most haunting specters are the ones we choose to ignore.
Miss Rum Punch
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Indigo Red
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
The Dude
With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
3D Waffle
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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! Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Cumulo
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
New York Mood
ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Delicious
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Racy Lion
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories.
Gbbledgoodk
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Double Eerie
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Accidental Genius
π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Gunhawk
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Twinkle Cocoa
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience.
Dahlia
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
SneakerKid
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks.
StarZen
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Commando
Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Delirium
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
RiddleRanger
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
Midas
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
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