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 answer―not 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.
Intimidating Presence
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app.
New Cycle
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life.
Blistered Outlaw
With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Easy Sweep
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. 🚗📖 Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks – driving has never been this fun! 🚗🎧
Dangle
ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧
Granola Dove
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience.
The Dude
This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏
Bad Beret
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Prof. Screw
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
VisionVortex
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Troubadour
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
VileHero
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Omega Sub
🌌 Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking – this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! 🍲📖 ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. 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!
Mud Eye
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again.
Biscuit Meg
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
PixelPioneer
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Dove Dolce
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Hex Panther
Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Rando Tank
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Saturnalia
The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
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