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.
High Woo
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
InsightfulInk
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
Combo Saw
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
New York Mood
Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Prof. Screw
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ
Icy Avenger
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Dora the Destroyer
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Icy Avenger
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ
Green Scavenger
Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Texas Butterfly
βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Seattle Jay
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Gamer Bean
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Good William
π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Street Squirrel
π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Killer Merlot
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
High Deck
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. 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's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Barbwire
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
Vixen
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life.
RawSkills
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Sun Runner
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
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