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.
Bleachers
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Green Scavenger
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars! 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.
ThoughtTrailblazer
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content.
CuriousCrafter
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. 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.
InsightInkwell
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Domino
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Duke Electro
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King Bass
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LuminaLore
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Fuzzy Logic Hottie
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Thrasher
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊 Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Queen Ginger
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Double Eerie
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Rusty Vortex
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. 📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜
Ozzie Treat
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Swampmasher
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Blistered Outlaw
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly.
MrOnsTr
ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
DragonBlood
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. 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