Book description
"The perfect pick to really light a fire under my book club, and yours....A reminder that goodness, and books, can still win in this world." --New York Times Book Review"A beautiful, big-hearted treasure of a novel." --Lily KingNational Bestseller * From the award-winning author of The One-in-a-Million Boy comes a heartfelt, uplifting novel about a chance encounter at a bookstore, exploring redemption, unlikely friendships, and the life-changing power of sharing stories. Our Reasons meet us in the morning and whisper to us at night. Mine is an innocent, unsuspecting, eternally sixty-one-year-old woman named Lorraine Daigle...Violet Powell, a twenty-two-year-old from rural Abbott Falls, Maine, is being released from prison after serving twenty-two months for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local kindergarten teacher.Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher who runs the prison book club, is facing the unsettling prospect of an empty nest.Frank Daigle, a retired machinist, hasn't yet come to grips with the complications of his marriage to the woman Violet killed.When the three encounter each other one morning in a bookstore in Portland--Violet to buy the novel she was reading in the prison book club before her release, Harriet to choose the next title for the women who remain, and Frank to dispatch his duties as the store handyman--their lives begin to intersect in transformative ways.How to Read a Book is an unsparingly honest and profoundly hopeful story about letting go of guilt, seizing second chances, and the power of books to change our lives. With the heart, wit, grace, and depth of understanding that has characterized her work, Monica Wood illuminates the decisions that define a life and the kindnesses that make life worth living. "A deeply humane and touching novel; highly recommended for book clubs and fans of Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures." -- Booklist
About the Author
Monica Wood is a novelist, memoirist, and playwright; the 2019 recipient of the Maine Humanities Council Carlson Prize for contributions to the public humanities; and a recipient of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance Distinguished Achievement Award for contributions to the literary arts. She lives in Portland, Maine, with her husband, Dan Abbott, and their cat, Susie.
Necromancer
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ
Dallas Foxface
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way.
ZenaCake
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. 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.
ZenZone
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites!
Sherm
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Sidewalk Enforcer
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout.
Seattle Jay
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Cool Iris
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Dewdrop Doll
Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Glyph
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation.
The Happy Jock
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Alley Cat
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
Stickers
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π
Skirble
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout.
RealmRanger
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Homerun Diva
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening.
Slint FUBAR
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
LocKz
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ
Twisty Dew
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
ThoughtTrail
Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
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