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.
QuestQuill
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Murder Matter
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
Bat Magenta
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
ZenZone
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Intimidation Station
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Sofa King
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving.
Manly
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Red Pepper
πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Hella Fella
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Black Walnut
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Demand Chopper
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Rope
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds.
Fl00d
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Bambi Benz
π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable.
Poptart AK47
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ
Coma Stalk
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Sleepwalker
This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
Good William
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ
DanimalDaze
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Eight Patrol
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
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