Book description
The long-awaited first short story-collection by the author of the cult sensation Convenience Store Woman, tales of weird love, heartfelt friendships, and the unsettling nature of human existenceWith Life Ceremony, the incomparable Sayaka Murata is back with her first collection of short stories ever to be translated into English. In Japan, Murata is particularly admired for her short stories, which are sometimes sweet, sometimes shocking, and always imbued with an otherworldly imagination and uncanniness.In these twelve stories, Murata mixes an unusual cocktail of humor and horror to portray both the loners and outcasts as well as turning the norms and traditions of society on their head to better question them. Whether the stories take place in modern-day Japan, the future, or an alternate reality is left to the reader's interpretation, as the characters often seem strange in their normality in a frighteningly abnormal world. In "A First-Rate Material," Nana and Naoki are happily engaged, but Naoki can't stand the conventional use of deceased people's bodies for clothing, accessories, and furniture, and a disagreement around this threatens to derail their perfect wedding day. "Lovers on the Breeze" is told from the perspective of a curtain in a child's bedroom that jealously watches the young girl Naoko as she has her first kiss with a boy from her class and does its best to stop her. "Eating the City" explores the strange norms around food and foraging, while "Hatchling" closes the collection with an extraordinary depiction of the fractured personality of someone who tries too hard to fit in.In these strange and wonderful stories of family and friendship, sex and intimacy, belonging and individuality, Murata asks above all what it means to be a human in our world and offers answers that surprise and linger.
ChatterChampion
This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ๐๐ Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
RiddleRover
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ๐๐ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed โ bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! ๐ด๐ง ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Experiencing stories while staying active โ this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. ๐ง๐๏ธ ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Sweet Manhattan
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. ๐ง An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand โ this app is pure convenience! ๐๐ Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's functionality is truly commendable. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Tweety Bun Bun
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
RDTN
I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance โ it's a must-have for any reader. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Romance Guppy
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
Tabasco Dracula
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way โ while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Audiobook excellence โ this app's design enhances my reading experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Daffy Girl
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores โ this app is a lifesaver! ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ๐ Embracing reading in the digital age โ this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. ๐ฑ๐ Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Trash Pocky
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
SWAT Honey
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ๐๐ฑ
Pink Stream
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface โ it's a true delight. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length โ I'm in!
Jack Cassidy
I've never been so excited about my daily commute โ thanks to this app. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Gentle Avenger
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable โ this app's design is a triumph. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
NightWonka
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. ๐ช Doubling the impact of my workouts โ exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! ๐ช๐ง No more hassle with formats โ this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ๐๐ง ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
LifeRobber
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. ๐ฑ Carrying stories wherever I go โ this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. ๐๐๏ธ Savoring audiobooks without fuss โ this app's design is impressive.
Frenzy
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful โ I'm hooked! ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Twinkle Cutlass
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Combining fitness and fiction โ this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! ๐โโ๏ธ๐
Bom Crossed
๐ Rekindling my love for stories โ this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ๐๐ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Dream Killer
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Simplifying audiobook management โ this app's functionality is a true asset. Seamless audiobook integration โ this app's design is remarkable.
Sofa King
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines โ it's pure bliss. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
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