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.
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The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls โ it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ๐๐ง
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ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Lightening Trip
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Mother Night
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Intimidating Presence
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now โ all thanks to this app. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy.
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This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. 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. ๐๐ฑ The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
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I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy โ it's eye-opening. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! 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.
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I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ
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