Book description
## The Unforgettable Voice of a Survivor: Why This Audiobook Stays With You
Let's be honest: true crime can feel like a genre where the details blur together. But I Know My First Name is Steven isn't just another case file. It's a raw, human story that lands with devastating clarity, especially when you hear it spoken aloud in this audiobook.
Steven's Story: More Than Just a Kidnapping
You know the setup: seven-year-old Steven, trusting his mom's warning about strangers, gets into a car with a man posing as a "Reverend." What follows is a seven-year nightmare of captivity and abuse under Kenneth Parnell. The book (and audiobook) doesn't shy away from the horror - the forced silence of his real name, the constant fear, the sheer effort of survival. But what makes this so powerful is the focus on Steven's humanity. He's not just a victim; he's a bright kid who remembers his mom's rules, who tries to help the younger boy he escapes with, and who finds the courage to testify. Hearing his story narrated makes the fear and resilience feel immediate, not distant.
The Gut-Punch Twist You Can't Unhear
Here's where it gets chillingly complex. The audiobook isn't just about Steven's abduction. It delivers the shocking, later revelation: his brother Cary became the Yosemite Killer. This isn't just a footnote; it's a devastating echo. The narrative weaves these two timelines together with heartbreaking weight. You hear Steven's struggle for his own identity after being erased, and then you learn his brother chose a path of violence that echoes the trauma Steven endured. The audiobook's pacing makes this twist land with a physical jolt.
Why Hearing It Matters
This is why the audiobook format is perfect. The narrator's voice carries the quiet terror of a child trying to remember his name, the fragile hope of his parents waiting, and the horrifying weight of the later revelations. You don't just read about Steven forgetting "Steven"; you hear the silence of that loss. The spoken word makes the emotional beats land harder - the relief of escape, the exhaustion of testimony, the sickening twist of Cary's crimes. You're not just learning history; you're sitting in the room with the pain.
The Lasting Impact
This isn't easy listening, but it's essential. It's a story about the terrifying fragility of childhood, the unbreakable strength of a family's love, and the terrifying way trauma can echo across generations. The audiobook doesn't sensationalize; it simply tells, letting the truth of Steven's survival and the later tragedy speak for itself. You'll remember the sound of his voice in your head long after the final chapter ends. It's a powerful, necessary listen that reminds us why these stories matter. Don't just read about Steven Stayner's courage. Hear it.
Charms
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Broomspun
ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
Dark Horse
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
RiddleRover
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Kimono Goddess
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Mt. Indiana
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Fatsy Bear
Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Light Lion
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! π±π
Liquid Science
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
CosPlatoon
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ
Wonder Lady
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Sugar Man
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions.
WanderWord
Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
WonderWords
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Legacy
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Flame OUT
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience.
Sylvester Eye
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Sand Whiskers
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Cooger
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π
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