Book description
A compelling memoir about opting for adventure instead of motherhood, and the lifelong outcomes of that choice. Instead captures Maria Coffey's adventurous life through her biggest decisions along the way, including the decision not to have children. It's a vivid travelogue, a love story, and a personal commentary on the risks and rewards of choosing unconventional paths. After two traumatic experiences during her twenties - a near-drowning in Morocco and her boyfriend's death on Mount Everest - Maria determines to seize every day and explore the world. Mixed with her desire for freedom is a new fear of loss, which convinces her against parenthood. She falls in love with Dag, who shares her dreams, and they begin creating a life of adventure. There is one snag: he wants children and thinks they could include them in their wild exploits. Instead follows Maria's trajectory as she shares her guilt-ridden relationship with her Irish Catholic mother; her baby debates with Dag in unlikely situations, like kayaking through a storm; the doubts that rear up in remote cultures where her childfree choice is unfathomable; and how children eventually - and surprisingly - come into her life. An adventure story with a unique twist, Instead tackles the universal themes of choice and consequence, agency versus fate. It is a must read for anyone curious about stepping off the beaten track, and a testament to the power of being open to the unexpected.
Contrary Mary
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Rook
π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Mallow Man
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Slacker Cat
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Dez North
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Sexual Chocolate
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Loot
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Leaf Assassin
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Sky Trinity
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
The Flying Mouse
ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Manimal
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
MrOnsTr
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift.
NexusNomad
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ
Gr8 Flick
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Fire Feline
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go β kudos to this app's functionality. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning.
Killer Curio
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§
Zero Corn
π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Nutmeg Riot
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Buckshot
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Lady In Red
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
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