Book description
Our politics are broken; our world is melting; the next catastrophe looms. Enter James Parker, who for years now has been writing odes of appreciation on subjects from the seemingly minor ("Ode to Naps") to the unexpected ("Ode to Giving People Money") to the seemingly minor, unexpected, and hyperspecific ("Ode to Running in Movies"). Finally collecting Parker's beloved and much-lauded odes in one place, this volume demonstrates the profound power of the form. Each ode is an exercise in gratitude. Each celebrates the permanent susceptibility of everyday humdrum life to dazzling saturations of divine light: the squirrel in the street, the crying baby, the misplaced cup of tea. Parker's odes are songs of praise, but with a decent amount of complaining in there, too: a human ratio of moans. Varied in length but unified in tone, mostly in prose, sometimes toppling into verse, the odes range across music, movies, literature, psychology, and beyond, all through the lens of Parker's personal history. Gathered together, they form an accidental how-to guide to honoring your own experience--and to finding your own odes.
About the Author
James Parker is a staff writer for The Atlantic. Since 2011, he has run the Black Seed Writers Group--a weekly writing workshop for homeless, transitional, and recently housed writers--and edited The Pilgrim, a literary magazine from the homeless community of downtown Boston. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
Fire Fish
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking and listening has never been this smooth – this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. 🏞️📖 I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Joker's Grin
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Buckshot
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. 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!
Steel Ginger
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Black Mustard
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
All Natural
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings.
xSTORMx
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
DreamDiver
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼
Snowflake Pixie
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Armed Hawk
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Wiccan Trouble
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Trigger Warming
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. 📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫 The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
Moon Cricket
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Troubled Pie
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Upper D3ckR
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. 🔥 Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine – this app is my secret weapon! ✨📖 Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Manly Reno
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
MysticMingle
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Instant Star
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Crossing Guard
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. 🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️
RZRWRE
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
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