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.
CuriousCoder
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ
Grave Digger
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. 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. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Lady Killer
π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Grave Digger
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Polar Bee
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
SkyGod
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Screwtape
Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Yellow Menace
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Wild Hair
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking.
Spoiler
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Athena Star
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π
Pogue
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Corny
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
PP Dubs
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions.
Swedish Pixie
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze.
Mother Hen
From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Sky Bully
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Commando
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Spunky Comet
My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
ThoughtTracer
CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
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