Book description
For this first-ever paperback edition of If This Isn't Nice, What Is?, the beloved collection of Kurt Vonnegut's campus speeches, editor Dan Wakefield has unearthed three early gems as a sort of prequel--the anti-war Moratorium Day speech he gave in Barnstable, Massachusetts, in October 1969, a 1970 speech to Bennington College recommending "skylarking," and a 1974 speech to Hobart and William Smith Colleges about the importance of extended families in an age of loneliness. Vonnegut himself never graduated college, so his words of admonition, advice, and hilarity always carried the delight, gentle irony, and generosity of someone savoring the promise of his fellow citizens--especially the young--rather than his own achievements. Selected and introduced by fellow novelist and friend Dan Wakefield, the speeches in If This Isn't Nice, What Is? comprise the first and only book of Vonnegut's speeches. There are fourteen speeches, eleven given at colleges, one to the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, one on the occasion of Vonnegut receiving the Carl Sandburg Award, and now the anti-war speech he gave just months after the publication of Slaughterhouse-Five, as well as from related short personal essays--eighteen chapters in all. In each of these, Vonnegut takes pains to find the few things worth saying and a conversational voice to say them in that isn't heavy-handed or pretentious or glib, but funny, joyful, and serious too, even if sometimes without seeming so.
Red Heroine
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. ListenBookโs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Twix Esses
๐ช Crushing workouts while devouring books โ this app makes fitness fun and educational! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐ As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ๐๐ง
Burst Nibbler
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. An audiobook Iโll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorโs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Tea Kettle
๐ Rekindling my love for reading โ this app makes each day a new adventure! ๐๐ Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces โ this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itโs a unique feature.
Digital Moonshine
No more converting files โ this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
Kickstart
My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Gabriel Dandelion
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Ozzie Treat
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing โ it's my relaxation therapy. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! ๐ฑ๐ I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
ManBreaker
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy.
Viceswerve
The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. 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!
Cali Yacht
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Kazami of Truth
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Moon Laser
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Finally, an app that values usability โ navigating and listening is a breeze! 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
Fresh Peper
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. I love the car mode. Itโs so convenient for listening while driving.
Coma Stalk
Audiobooks have never been this engaging โ this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read โ this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
VisionVoyager
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Audiobook enjoyment redefined โ this app's design focuses on the essentials. Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ๐๐ Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Jade Fox
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket โ truly amazing! No more hassle with converting files โ ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. The app is so reliable. Iโve never had any issues with it.
Metal Star
โฐ Waking up to audiobooks โ mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! โ๏ธ๐ง The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Houston
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. I can't get enough of this app โ it's a true game-changer for book lovers. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Berry Succubus
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Audiobooks made simple โ this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
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