Book description
Christine Grillo's Hestia Strikes a Match is the slyly funny story of a woman looking for love and friendship in the midst of a new American civil war. The year is 2023, and things are bad--bad, but still not as bad as they could be. Hestia Harris is forty-two, abandoned by her husband (he left to fight for the Union cause), and estranged from her parents (they're leaving for the Confederacy). Yes, the United States has collapsed into a second civil war and again it's Unionists against Confederates, children against parents, friends against friends. Hestia has left journalism (too much war reporting) for a job at a Baltimore retirement village on the Inner Harbor (lots of security). She's single and adrift, save for her coworkers and Mildred, an eighty-four-year-old, thrice-happily-married resident who gleefully supports Hestia's half-hearted but hopeful attempts to find love again in a time of chaos and disunion. She reckons with the big questions (How do we live in the midst of political collapse? How do we love people who believe terrible things?) and the little ones (How do I decorate a nonworking fireplace? Can I hook up with a mime?), all while wrestling with that simmering, roiling, occasionally boiling feeling that things are decidedly not okay, but we have to keep going, one foot in front of the other, because maybe, just maybe, we can still find the kinds of relationships that sustain a person through anything. Christine Grillo's Hestia Strikes a Match is an irreverent, incisive, laugh-out-loud interrogation of modern love of all kinds, in all its messy beauty. Equal parts wise and hilarious, it fills the heart, fortifies the spirit, and will surely help to fend off despair. In the face of the everyday wildness of our times, it asks and answers that newly constant question: How do we make a full, wonderfully ordinary life when the whole mad world is clattering down around us?
Voluntary
My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
Tan Stallion
🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨 I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Alley Fiend
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable.
DollFaceKillah
Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
FlyGuardX
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly.
Pepper
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Psycho Thinker
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. 🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 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. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Storm Master
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. 🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Pop Bee
The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Disco Thunder
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
Willow Dragon
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout.
Mr. Wholesome
This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Divine Quasar
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. 🎶📚 The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! 🎵🎧 The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Chlorine
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
White Swan
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
Grotas
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Riff Raff
This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Jelly Momentum
Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. 📚🔊 Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
RiddleRover
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Blink
🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 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!
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