Book description
"...Ben Valenta and David Sikorjak explore a convincing case for how fandom can improve both our relationships and lives." --Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author of From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of LifeTHIS BOOK IS ABOUT THE POWER OF BELONGINGResearch shows that 61 percent of Americans feel lonely, misunderstood, and left out. And those are the numbers before the pandemic enforced isolation. There is also evidence that loneliness can impact your physical health. So how do we go from being lonely to belonging? Becoming a sports fan may be the first step.In Fans Have More Friends, sports fans, dads, and data analysts David Sikorjak and Ben Valenta argue that fandom can not only increase our sense of belonging but also serves as a powerful antidote to loneliness because sports fans experience increased social connection. What they didn't realize was how deep that connection was, the potential it carried for individual and societal wellness, or the opportunities it offered for adult friendships, making and keeping friends, and family ties.Their theory is simple: if we want to be less lonely, we need to belong to a community or something greater than ourselves. Over the course of two years, countless in-person interviews and rigorously designed surveys, Ben Valenta and David Sikorjak have the proof that being a fan can lead to: Improved social connectionsStronger community tiesEnhanced well-beingA greater sense of belonging, andMore friendsThe data pales in comparison to the incredible people you'll meet throughout the book. The common thread in all of these personal stories is friendship, community, and belonging-a feeling research can't reveal as well as stories can. Fans Have More Friends will make you think differently about sports and reminds all of us of the essential animating quality of fandom: We're in this together. Sports is not always about what's happening on the field but what's happening in the stands.
Mechani-Man
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Steel Heart
I can't imagine my life without this app โ it's my passport to countless stories. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption.
Intimidating Presence
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. ๐๐ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's soothing voices ๐ด๐ง
Joker's Grin
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design โ it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Wooden German
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing โ it's my relaxation therapy. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments โ I'm forever grateful. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. ๐ Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores โ pure joy! ๐๐
Plenty Orange
The family subscription option is a money-saver โ everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ๐๐ The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Flakes
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available โ so much to learn! Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Dora the Destroyer
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! 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.
Show Off
This app is a true gift for book lovers โ it's like having a personal library wherever I go. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Soiled Dove
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. This app is a time-saver โ I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
Spontan8ty
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights โ I'm never without a good story. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Venom Petunia
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Bambi Benz
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. No more hassle with formats โ this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ๐๐ง Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
Reno Monarch
Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! ListenBookโs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Lope Lope
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
New Magoo
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itโs great for when I zone out. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy.
Eye Devil
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life โ it's incredible. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Ginger Chaos
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. 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!
Heavenly Connection
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
Mental
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process โ I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. I can't get enough of this app โ it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
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