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.
Mad Rascal
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π
Trixie
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
Subzero Taffy
πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Danger Menace
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
RetroMirage
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable.
QuestWeaver
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ
Cool Iris
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Springheel Jack
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
Terror Master
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Marshmallow Treat
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions.
FearLeSS
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
SpellTansy
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Innocent Ghost
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
EchoExplorer
βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
Centurion Sherman
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Stud
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
True Sweetness
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Flash
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
Light Lion
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Terror Master
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
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