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.
Shivers
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Troubled Pie
Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Juice Petite
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Firefly Caramel
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime.
Omega Sub
π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Tea Kettle
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Vermilion
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Bearded Angler
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Chlorine
Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Willow Dragon
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Stud muffin
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
StorySculptor
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions.
London Fox
ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
THRESHmSTR
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Marine Dre
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch.
Pepper Mouse
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§
Deano
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Sleek Zelda
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
High-Fructose
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Chapstick
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
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