Book description
We are surrounded by emoji. They appear in politics, movies, drug deals, our sex lives, and more. But emoji's impact has never been explored in full. Named for the world's most popular pictogram, Face with Tears of Joy tells the whole story of emoji for the first time. In this rollicking tech and pop culture history, Keith Houston follows emoji from their birth in 1990s Japan, traces their Western explosion in the 2000s, and considers emoji's ever-expanding lexicon. Along the way, Houston explores vital developments in tech history and reveals the body of technocrats governing this 3,600-character language. He also addresses the eggplants in the room: risqu emojis, controversy, and accusations of "selling out." Finally, readers learn about the future of emoji, as some of the language's pioneers consider what comes next. Face with Tears of Joy is a language- and tech-lover's delight, stuffed with gloriously nerdy details, illustrations, and fun.Review"Mr. Houston's unapologetic nerdiness is matched by a jaunty style" -Wall Street Journal "We bibliomaniacs have a soulmate in Keith Houston," -Scottish Review of Books "[Houston is] an enthusiast if not an obsessive, with a voracious appetite for details" -Dallas Morning NewsAbout the AuthorKeith Houston is the author of Empire of the Sum, Shady Characters, and The Book. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Mental Floss, and on BBC Culture and Literary Hub. He lives in Linlithgow, Scotland. (View Author Photo)
Oblivion
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. 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.
New York Sixlet
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Mr. Lucky
CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Shade Nightman
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Alberta
Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Freaky Ratbuster
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Diamond Gamer
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
CuriousCrafter
Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate.
xSTORMx
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Grinch Cheese
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive.
Sw33per
Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
BoomerBox
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Frosty
π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
NeoGermal
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Classy Luck
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π
Pepper
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Pitfall Whiskers
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise.
Lincoln Rider
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day.
Prof. Screw
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Eight Patrol
Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized 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