Book description
Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland is one of those rare books that feels like a warm hug from an old friend-except the friend is a word nerd who has spent twenty years turning everyday chatter into linguistic gold. Martha Barnette, best known as the co-host of A Way with Words, invites us on a tour through the hidden corners of our vocabulary, and she does it with a mix of scholarly curiosity and playful wit that keeps you hooked from page one.
What makes this book stand out is how Barnette balances depth with accessibility. She dives into etymology-explaining why "scuttlebutt" was once a ship's gossip column-while also celebrating regional slang, like the Appalachian "yonder." Her anecdotes about radio mishaps and family neologisms feel genuine, making the history of language feel lived rather than just studied. The book is peppered with new words that feel fresh, along with trivia bits that will have you laughing at your own ignorance ("Did you know 'floccinaucinihilipilification' is a real word?").
Barnette's narrative thread-her journey from Appalachian roots to studying Ancient Greek and finally to becoming a beloved radio host-gives the book heart. It isn't just a dictionary; it's a memoir that shows how language shapes identity and community. The humor is gentle yet sharp, making even dense linguistic concepts approachable.
In short, Friends with Words is an expert guide to our shared lexicon, delivered with good-humored enthusiasm. Whether you're a seasoned philologist or simply love the quirks of everyday speech, this book will leave you smiling, your mind buzzing with new words, and a newfound appreciation for the linguistic adventures that surround us every day.
Firedog
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖
BuzzBait
I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Devil Chick
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! 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. 📖📱 With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Forger
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Runway Darling
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Ladysmith
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Crazy Eights
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚
Kill Switch
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Sun Washer
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Fennel Dove
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Bad Princess
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Winter Underdog
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Skull Crusher
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Fire Queen
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met.
Mafia Rapunzel
This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. ⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
ByteBard
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Cali Yacht
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience.
Flash
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening.
Duke Electro
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning.
Amphibi-Dangerous
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
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