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.
Digital Goddess
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Sleek Zelda
The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Tea Kettle
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy.
Frosty Squid
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Frosty
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Turnip King
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀
King Panther
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. 🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Kazami of Truth
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖 Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Hoover Spark
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Necromancer
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable.
Alpha
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative.
Moon Laser
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. Mastering audiobook navigation – this app's ease of use is commendable. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊
Atomic Blastoid
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Gingersnap Woman
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Mercury Reborn
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Mallow Man
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Shwatson
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. 🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧
Turnip King
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Lady Killer
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Foot-long Fry
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
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