Book description
A senior editor at Mother Jones dives into the lives of the extremely rich, showing the fascinating, otherworldly realm they inhabit--and the insidious ways this realm harms us all. Have you ever fantasized about being ridiculously wealthy? Probably. Striking it rich is among the most resilient of American fantasies, surviving war and peace, expansions and recessions, economic meltdowns and global pandemics. We dream of the jackpot, the big exit, the life-altering payday, in whatever form that takes. (Americans spent $81 billion on lottery tickets in 2019, more than the GDPs of most nations.) We would escape "essential" day jobs and cramped living spaces, bury our debts, buy that sweet spread, and bail out struggling friends and relations. But rarely do we follow the fantasy to its conclusion--to ponder the social, psychological, and societal downsides of great affluence and the fact that so few possess it. What is it actually like to be blessed with riches in an era of plagues, political rancor, and near-Dickensian economic differences? How mind-boggling are the opportunities and access, how problematic the downsides? Does the experience differ depending on whether the money is earned or unearned, where it comes from, and whether you are male or female, white or black? Finally, how does our collective lust for affluence, and our stubborn belief in social mobility, explain how we got to the point where forty percent of Americans have literally no wealth at all? These are all questions that Jackpot sets out to explore. The result of deep reporting and dozens of interviews with fortunate citizens--company founders and executives, superstar coders, investors, inheritors, lottery winners, lobbyists, lawmakers, academics, sports agents, wealth and philanthropy professionals, concierges, luxury realtors, Bentley dealers, and even a woman who trains billionaires' nannies in physical combat, Jackpot is a compassionate, character-rich, perversely humorous, and ultimately troubling journey into the American wealth fantasy and where it has taken us.
Baked ZD
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
Essex
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Cujo
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Gingersnap Woman
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Carrot Joker
πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Shadow Gal
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
DuckDuck
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Uluru Walker
ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
QuestWeaver
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book.
Jelly Camber
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Sun Leo
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
High Kingdom Warrior
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Suicide Jockey
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout.
Truth
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Jack Cassidy
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. 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!
Racy Lady
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits β so cool! ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
General Broomdog
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Trixie
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Badger the Burglar
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! 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.
Mr. Wholesome
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
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