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.
Phoenix Tetra
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ๐ This app has turned my errands into exciting quests โ I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ๐๐ ๐ผ Enhancing work-from-home productivity โ audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. ๐ป๐ ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
ButterQuest
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
Spunky Sphinx
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. I can't get enough of this app โ it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Audiobook multitasking made easy โ this app's functionality is top-notch. ListenBook is more than just an app โ it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Gullyway
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. ๐ Embracing reading in the busiest of times โ this app is my everyday escape! ๐๐โโ๏ธ Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Flashpoint
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. I can't imagine my life without this app โ it's my constant source of books. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ๐๐ง Good for background listening. I didnโt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorโs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Solo Kill
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection โ it's a parenting win! ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience.
Mammoth 2
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful.
Bowie
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers โ it's my go-to source for literary adventures! The appโs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Dark Matter
๐ Simplifying my reading routine โ this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. ๐โจ Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's functionality is a triumph. ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Boost
This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Audiobook excellence โ this app's design enhances my reading experience. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Iโm 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! The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Chameleon
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way โ through audiobooks! The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book โ so convenient! I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itโs a unique feature.
Nutmeg
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
Avenge Paws
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
Plum Moon
Audiobook multitasking made easy โ this app's functionality is a marvel. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Moon Peaches
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Devine Melon
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 โ it shows their dedication to excellence. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. ListenBookโs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Clover Rabbit
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ๐ฑ An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts โ it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ๐๐ก The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Scare Stone
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. ๐ผ Merging work and pleasure โ audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! ๐ป๐ง ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Spontan8ty
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic โ what a win! ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donโt have the time.
RedFeet
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
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