Book description
In 1962, in the charming town of Burlington, Vermont, Michael Luck's identity was forever changed. He was 15 years old, a sophomore at the local Catholic high school when a simple after-school ritual at a cozy diner became the scene of a life-altering discovery.The diner, a favorite among his friends, was always filled with the aroma of sizzling burgers and freshly brewed coffee. After school, they would collapse into booths clad in red vinyl, engulfed in laughter and debates over Cokes and steaming fries while jukebox classics played in the background.That afternoon, as the air buzzed with youthful chatter and the scent of rain, he rummaged through his backpack for a pen. During that search, one of his books fell to the floor, opening as it landed. It was the family Bible that he carried to religion class, its well-worn leather cover now splayed open between the Old and New Testaments.As he bent down to pick it up, his eyes caught on something unexpected. Among the neatly handwritten notes of family births, marriages, and deaths, a line made him freeze. His name was followed by two dates: his birth and another date-the date of his adoption.The lively atmosphere of the diner receded into a dull buzz as he stood there, the book heavy in his hands. He was flabbergasted. Until that moment, he had no idea he was adopted. A mixture of disbelief and confusion swirled within him as he stared at the indelible ink that revealed a previously unknown truth.That shocking realization began a lifelong journey of self-discovery, during which he learned the profound depths of what family truly means.
About the Author
Michael F. Luck, Ph.D. is a tried-and-true Vermonter, whose hard work and serendipity helped advance his career as a senior executive at universities and healthcare systems. A natural talent in theater arts, leadership, and teamwork paved the way to a successful professional life.An Educational Anthropologist, Dr. Luck has a keen understanding of kinship systems, how genetics gives us our roadmap in life, and the way inwhich humor is used as a social lubricant.Dr. Luck's philanthropic leadership raised more than $4.5 billion for the betterment of hospitals, colleges, universities, and civic organizations: MIT, Rutgers University, the 64 campuses of the State of New York (SUNY), Wayne State University-Detroit, Healtheast, University of Massachusetts Boston, and more. Underscoring his career, his book, "Community College Development: Alternative Fundraising Strategies" (R&R Newkirk, Inc.), was hailed as a national landmark study.The great outdoors is where Michael is happiest: hiking, gardening, and exploring. International cuisine, discussion of history, film, theater, music, and museums enrich his well-being with an occasional scotch with good friends.Michael has three children and two grandchildren. He and wife, Barbara C. Wilson, Ed.D., divide their time between Vermont and Spain.
Mad Jack
ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Black Firefly
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. The app's stability is impressive โ it runs smoothly without any glitches. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. ๐๏ธ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures โ this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. โ๏ธ๐ With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Elektrik
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. 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.
Pixie
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise.
RiddleRover
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Sugar Apple
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off. I love how I can create playlists. Itโs perfect for organizing my books.
ELLerG!c
The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Bruh
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Slug-em-dog
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightโnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Abiss
๐ This app has ignited my passion for reading โ I can't get enough of its convenience! ๐๐ฅ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Video Game Heroine
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections โ I'm discovering hidden gems! Savoring audiobooks without fuss โ this app's design is impressive. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve 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! Iโm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
180
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient โ it's like having a personal narrator. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ๐๐
Romance Guppy
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient โ no more complicated processes. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Sw00sh
Streamlined audiobook integration โ this app's usability is truly impressive. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
InsightInkwell
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful โ I'm hooked! ๐ Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores โ a dance of productivity! ๐ถ๐ The interface is sleek and modern. Itโs a joy to use.
Sass Burst
ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
Rooster
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles.
Tangerine
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education โ it's brilliant! ๐๏ธ Basking in the sun with an audiobook โ relaxation meets storytelling paradise! โ๏ธ๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Engine Eye
I've become addicted to this app โ in the best possible way! From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! ๐๐ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
FireBerry
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is impressive. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. ListenBookโs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
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