Book description
In Kat Tang's exciting and resonant debut, a "Rental Stranger"-a companion hired under various guises-walks the line between personal and professional in surprising new ways. Would you hire someone to be the best man at your wedding? Your stand-in brother? Your husband? In an age where online ratings are all-powerful, Five-Star Stranger follows the adventures of a top-rated man on the Rental Stranger app-a place where users can hire a pretend fiancé, a wingman, or an extra mourner for a funeral. Referred to only as Stranger, the narrator navigates New York City under the guise of characters he plays, always maintaining a professional distance from his clients. But, when a nosy patron threatens to upend his long-term role as father to a young girl, Stranger begins to reckon with his attachment to his pretend daughter, her mother, and his own fraught past. Now, he must confront the boundaries he has drawn and explore the legacy of abandonment that shaped his life. Five-Star Stranger is a strikingly vivid novel about the commodification of relationships in a gig economy, isolation in a hyperconnected world, and the risk of asking for what we want from those who cannot give. This is the story of a man who finds out who he is by being anyone but himself.
StorySculptor
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning.
Sneaky Lady
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Hoover Spark
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout.
Ship Whip
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Intimidation Station
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Renegade Slugger
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Killer Curio
I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile!
Gingersnap Woman
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Universe Bullet
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧
Burn
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
QuestWeaver
🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Betty Cricket
🔥 Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine – this app is my secret weapon! ✨📖 Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
THRESHmSTR
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Widow Curio
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Prof. Smirk
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. 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! 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!
Apple Nola
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. 🎉 My audiobook haven – this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! 📚🔑 The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
Gamer Bean
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. 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.
Rooster
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Trouble Mittens
I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Engine Eye
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
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