Book description
An Instant New York Times Bestseller "This voice-driven, relatable, heartfelt and emotional story will make any parent tear up."--Good Morning America, "15 Delightful Books Perfect for Spring Reading"Operating Instructions meets Glennon Doyle in this new book by famed NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly that is destined to become a classic--about the year before her son goes to college--and the joys, losses and surprises that happen along the way. The time for do-overs is over. Ever since she became a parent, Mary Louise Kelly has said "next year." Next year will be the year she makes it to her son James's soccer games (which are on weekdays at 4 p.m., right when she is on the air on NPR's All Things Considered, talking to millions of listeners). Drive carpool for her son Alexander? Not if she wants to do that story about Ukraine and interview the secretary of state. Like millions of parents who wrestle with raising children while pursuing a career, she has never been cavalier about these decisions. The bargain she has always made with herself is this: this time I'll get on the plane, and next year I'll find a way to be there for the mom stuff. Well, James and Alexander are now seventeen and fifteen, and a realization has overtaken Mary Louise: her older son will be leaving soon for college. There used to be years to make good on her promises; now, there are months, weeks, minutes. And with the devastating death of her beloved father, Mary Louise is facing act three of her life head-on. Mary Louise is coming to grips with the reality every parent faces. Childhood has a definite expiration date. You have only so many years with your kids before they leave your house to build their own lives. It's what every parent is supposed to want, what they raise their children to do. But it is bittersweet. Mary Louise is also dealing with the realities of having aging parents. This pivotal time brings with it the enormous questions of what you did right and what you did wrong. This chronicle of her eldest child's final year at home, of losing her father, as well as other curve balls thrown at her, is not a definitive answerโnot for herself and certainly not for any other parent. But her questions, her issues, will resonate with every parent. And, yes, especially with mothers, who are judged more harshly by society and, more important, judge themselves more harshly. What would she do if she had to decide all over again? Mary Louise's thoughts as she faces the coming year will speak to anyone who has ever cared about a child or a parent. It. Goes. So. Fast. is honest, funny, poignant, revelatory, and immensely relatable.
Slow Trot
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers.
Referee
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. ๐ฑ๐ง ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Junkyard Dog
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
Flint
Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ๐๐ง Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. 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!
Whip Chu
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Atlantic Rim
Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. ListenBookโs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Abyss Tamer
The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Cuff Queen
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats โ it truly supports all my audio needs. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
Twister Hero
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. I can't believe how much more productive I am โ I'm learning and growing while multitasking! Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. ๐ฅ Elevating my reading routine to new heights โ this app is a real page-turner! ๐๐ ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Acetic Princess
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Lava Nibbler
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app โ so handy! I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats โ it's a true lifesaver. ๐ Long road trips? No problem โ this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ๐๐ ๐ฑ My pocket-sized library โ this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ๐๐ฑ Effortless and enriching โ that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. ๐ฑ๐
Uncle Psycho
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon โ this app is my relaxation buddy! ๐๏ธ๐ง Navigating audiobooks seamlessly โ this app's design is a true winner. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Moxie
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineโgood narration, decent storyโbut it didnโt leave a lasting impression. If youโre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
CyberScribe
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing โ it's my relaxation therapy. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer โ my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Lady Fantastic
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio โ from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Audiobook excellence made simple โ this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Stallion Patton
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. ๐ Rekindling my love for reading โ this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ๐๐ฅ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Nutmeg
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youโre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Storm Master
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ๐๐ On-the-go listening has never been smoother โ this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ๐๐
Biscuit Meg
Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineโgood narration, decent storyโbut it didnโt leave a lasting impression. If youโre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Sun Washer
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. ๐ฑ No more lugging around heavy books โ this app brings the library to my phone! ๐๐ฑ
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