Book description
Audiobook Review - Eleanor by David Michaelis
David Michaelis' new biography of Eleanor Roosevelt is an absolute tour de force, and the audiobook delivers that same power with a voice-rich experience that feels like sitting in a private study with the author himself. From the opening line, the narrator's warm, measured tone sets a reverent yet accessible pace, allowing listeners to follow the arc of a woman who began as an orphaned niece of Theodore Roosevelt and emerged as one of America's most enduring symbols of hope.
The audio version is meticulously edited; each chapter flows into the next with subtle transitions that keep the narrative rhythm smooth. The narrator's inflection captures the emotional highs and lows-her heartbreak over Lucy Mercer, her fierce determination during FDR's polio crisis, and her quiet moments of self-reflection. When Michaelis describes Eleanor's diplomatic travels or her quiet evenings in the White House, you can almost hear the distant hum of a global conversation unfolding.
What makes this audiobook stand out is its ability to bring the historical details to life without feeling like a lecture. The narrator's clear diction and occasional light humor break up long stretches of dense biographical data, making it easier for casual listeners or history buffs alike. The sound design-soft background music during reflective passages and subtle ambient noises in scenes set abroad-adds another layer of immersion that you won't find in print.
Critics have praised Eleanor as a "stunning" portrait (WSJ) and an "absolutely spellbinding" narrative (Washington Post). These accolades translate into the listening experience: the story feels both intimate and epic. Michaelis' research shines through, with vivid anecdotes that paint Eleanor's resilience, her sexual explorations, and her relentless advocacy for human rights. The audiobook captures the complexity of a woman who was vulnerable yet fiercely independent, personal yet profoundly public.
In short, Eleanor is more than just a biography; it's an invitation to hear history in motion. Whether you're familiar with Eleanor Roosevelt or discovering her story for the first time, this audiobook offers an engaging, thoughtful, and deeply human exploration of one of America's most inspiring figures. The narrative invites listeners to reflect on how freedom remains a choice-and how we can learn from Eleanor's legacy of compassion and courage in our own lives.
Miss Mustard
Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. 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! Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Murmur
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Mr. Thanksgiving
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Domino Combat
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Honey
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
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Digital Goddess
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Blade
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Flash
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Knight Light
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HedgeH0g2
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Paris Boost
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The China Wall
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Con Mammoth
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CuriousCraft
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DreamDiver
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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