Book description
An audacious journalistic exploration of the present and future of beauty through the lens of South Korea's booming "K-beauty" industry and the culture it promotes, by Elise Hu, NPR host-at-large and the host of TED Talks Daily K-beauty has captured imaginations worldwide by promising a kind of mesmerizing perfection. Its skincare and makeup products--creams packaged to look like milkshakes or pandas, and snail mucus face masks, to name a few--work together to fascinate us, champion consumerism, and invite us to indulge. In the four years Elise spent in Seoul as NPR's bureau chief, the global K-beauty industry quadrupled. Today it's worth $10 billion and is only getting bigger as it rides the Hallyu wave around the globe. And fun as self-care consumerism may be, Elise turns her veteran eye to the darker questions lurking beneath the surface of this story. When technology makes it easy to quantify and optimize ourselves--from banishing blemishes, to whittling our waistlines, even to shaving down our jaws--where do we draw the line? What are the dangers for a society where a flawless face and body are promoted and possible? What are the real financial, physical, and emotional costs of beauty work in a culture that valorizes endless self-improvement and codes it as empowerment? With rich historical context and deep reporting, including hours of interviews with South Korean women, this is a complex, provocative look at the ways hustle culture has reached into the sinews of our bodies. It raises complicated questions about gender disparity, consumerism, the beauty imperative of an appearance obsessed society, and the undeniable political, economic, and social capital of good looks worldwide. And it points the way toward an alternative vision, one that's more affirming and inclusive than a beauty culture led by industry.
Cujo
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature. 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.
Dance Bloom
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
Jo Jo Spooky
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Tunez
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Blister
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian.
Swerve
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Upper D3ckR
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. 💪 Doubling the impact of my workouts – exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! 💪🎧 ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks.
Voluntary
Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Emerald Vine
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Easy Mac
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you!
Elder Pogue
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
DreamDiver
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. 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.
Miss Twilight
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Station WMD
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Unleashed
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Heartbreaker
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Mud Eye
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Star Sword
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Taffy Duchess
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
RiddleRanger
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
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