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.
Mad Robin
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. 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.
Trouble Mittens
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Lunar Treat
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Santa's Little Helper
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
ThoughtTrail
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
Wildcat Appaloosa
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read – this app is always ready. 🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
Shadow Bishop
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Sweet Manhattan
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
High Kingdom Warrior
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚 ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Pepper
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Blood Taker
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating.
Bad Beret
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Energy
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱 The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me!
RoarSweetie
Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
BuzzBait
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Pitfall Whiskers
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Cupid Dust
Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Lincoln Rider
📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Eerie
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem.
Upper D3ckR
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
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