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 answerβnot 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.
Burst Nibbler
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection β it's a parenting win! The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Heaven Sent
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
High Deck
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Cross Thread
πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Koi Diva
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Mr. Lucky
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Racy Lady
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Ember Rope
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
X-Dew
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Chuckles
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Campfire Mama
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Red Delicious
Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Killer Curio
Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Mental Prophet
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Jade Fox
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Mental Prophet
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
Homerun Diva
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Sly Silvermoon
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
ForumFlare
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience.
Ozzie Treat
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
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