Book description
PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST A New York Times Notable Book of 2022 What does it take to reinvent a language? After a meteoric rise, China today is one of the world's most powerful nations. Just a century ago, it was a crumbling empire with literacy reserved for the elite few, as the world underwent a massive technological transformation that threatened to leave them behind. In Kingdom of Characters, Jing Tsu argues that China's most daunting challenge was a linguistic one: the century-long fight to make the formidable Chinese language accessible to the modern world of global trade and digital technology. Kingdom of Characters follows the bold innovators who reinvented the Chinese language, among them an exiled reformer who risked a death sentence to advocate for Mandarin as a national language, a Chinese-Muslim poet who laid the groundwork for Chairman Mao's phonetic writing system, and a computer engineer who devised input codes for Chinese characters on the lid of a teacup from the floor of a jail cell. Without their advances, China might never have become the dominating force we know today. With larger-than-life characters and an unexpected perspective on the major events of China's tumultuous twentieth century, Tsu reveals how language is both a technology to be perfected and a subtle, yet potent, power to be exercised and expanded.
WordWanderer
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app!
MuseMaster
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Greek Rifle
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Unleashed
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Roller Turtle
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Romance Guppy
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
Dewdrop Doll
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Risen
CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Die Slice
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Indigo Red
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Slow Trot
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Frosty Sunshine
A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another. 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.
Bowie
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Raid Bucker
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Vagabond Warrior
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer.
Vermilion
🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Toe
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air.
WanderWord
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
FireBerry
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Forger
ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
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