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?
Arsenic Coo
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
QuestQuill
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Mt. Indiana
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. 📚🎧 ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
RealmRanger
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
WittyWordsmith
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Petite Beauty
Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚 Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Baked ZD
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Devil Chick
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Demo Tequila
🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Sofa King
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go.
Moon Peaches
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧 ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
Bad Princess
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 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!
Lucky Aurora
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Twitch
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Eerie
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Swing Setter
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
ForumFlare
🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Washer
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
DragonBlood
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Good William
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
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