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.
Dahlia
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
HolyCombo
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Papa Smurf
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ«
Wooden Man
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Energy
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery. 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!
High Woo
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ
Toy Town
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient.
SWAT Honey
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Achilles Mountain
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Sir Shark
I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Switch
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Blinker
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content.
QuantumQuipper
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. 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!
MindfulMingle
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
King Panther
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Prometheus
ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Drop Stone
Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. 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! Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Apple Nola
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips.
Flashpoint
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
MrOnsTr
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
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