Book description
"A delight, the literary equivalent of a long catch-up with a brilliant friend." --New York Times "One of the most talked-about books of the year." --Gayle KingWhen you're a woman of a certain age, you are only promised that everything will get worse. But what if everything you've been told is a lie? Come to Paris, August 2021, when the City of Lights was still empty of tourists and a thirst for long-overdue pleasure gripped those who wandered its streets. After New York City emptied out in March 2020, Glynnis MacNicol, aged forty-six, unmarried with no children, spent sixteen months alone in her tiny Manhattan apartment. The isolation was punishing. A year without touch. Women are warned of invisibility as they age, but this was an extreme loneliness no one can prepare you for. When the opportunity to sublet a friend's apartment in Paris arose, MacNicol jumped on it. Leaving felt less like a risk than a necessity. What follows is a decadent, joyful, unexpected journey into one woman's pursuit of radical enjoyment. The weeks in Paris are filled with friendship and food and sex. There is dancing on the Seine; a plethora of gooey cheese; midnight bike rides through empty Paris; handsome men; afternoons wandering through the empty Louvre; nighttime swimming in the ocean off a French island. And yes, plenty of nudity. In the spirit of Nora Ephron and Deborah Levy (think Colette . . . if she'd had access to dating apps), I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself is an intimate, insightful, powerful, and endlessly pleasurable memoir of an intensely lived experience whose meaning and insight expand far beyond the personal narrative. MacNicol is determined to document the beauty, excess, and triumph of a life that does not require permission. The pursuit of enjoyment is a political act, both a right and a responsibility. Enjoying yourself--as you are--is not something the world tells you is possible, but it is. Here's the proof.
About the Author
Glynnis MacNicol is the author of the memoir No One Tells You This. She created and hosted the podcast Wilder. She lives in New York City.
Force
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Lady Katniss
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Demo Tequila
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Dance Cannon
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨
Bit Sentinel
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Gumby Train
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Burn
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π«
Kamikaze Granny
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
Atlantic Rim
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move.
Cabbie
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
Valley Guardian
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Subzero Taffy
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Divine Quasar
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Mammoth 2
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true.
Station WMD
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail.
Mr. 44
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Papa Smurf
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience.
Opulent Gamer
Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities.
Freeway
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Poppy Coffee
Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 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