Book description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST
NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MICHIKO KAKUTANI, THE NEW YORK TIMES * NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TIME
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MORE THAN 45 PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING
The New York Times Book Review * The Washington Post * NPR * The New Yorker * San Francisco Chronicle * The Economist * The Atlantic * Newsday * Salon * St. Louis Post-Dispatch * The Guardian * Esquire (UK) * GQ (UK)
Little Failure is the all too true story of an immigrant family betting its future on America, as told by a lifelong misfit who finally finds a place for himself in the world through books and words. In 1979, a little boy dragging a ginormous fur hat and an overcoat made from the skin of some Soviet woodland creature steps off the plane at New York's JFK International Airport and into his new American life. His troubles are just beginning. For the former Igor Shteyngart, coming to the United States from the Soviet Union is like stumbling off a monochromatic cliff and landing in a pool of Technicolor. Careening between his Soviet home life and his American aspirations, he finds himself living in two contradictory worlds, wishing for a real home in one. He becomes so strange to his parents that his mother stops bickering with his father long enough to coin the phrase failurchka--"little failure"--which she applies to her once-promising son. With affection. Mostly. From the terrors of Hebrew School to a crash course in first love to a return visit to the homeland that is no longer home, Gary Shteyngart has crafted a ruthlessly brave and funny memoir of searching for every kind of love--family, romantic, and of the self.
Praise for Little Failure
"Hilarious and moving . . . The army of readers who love Gary Shteyngart is about to get bigger."--The New York Times Book Review
"A memoir for the ages . . . brilliant and unflinching."--Mary Karr
"Dazzling . . . a rich, nuanced memoir . . . It's an immigrant story, a coming-of-age story, a becoming-a-writer story, and a becoming-a-mensch story, and in all these ways it is, unambivalently, a success."--Meg Wolitzer, NPR
"Literary gold . . . [a] bruisingly funny memoir."--Vogue
"A giant success."--Entertainment Weekly
"[Little Failure] finds the delicate balance between sidesplitting and heartbreaking."--O: The Oprah Magazine
"Should become a classic of the immigrant narrative genre."--The Miami Herald
"As vivid, original and funny as any that contemporary U.S. literature has to offer."--Los Angeles Times
"The very best memoirs perfectly toe the line between heartbreak and humor, and Shteyngart does just that."--Esquire
"Touching, insightful . . . [Shteyngart] nimbly achieves the noble Nabokovian goal of letting sentiment in without ever becoming sentimental."--The Washington Post
"[Shteyngart is] a successor to no less than Saul Bellow and Philip Roth."--The Christian Science Monitor
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MICHIKO KAKUTANI, THE NEW YORK TIMES • NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TIME NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MORE THAN 45 PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING The New York Times Book Review • The Washington Post • NPR • The New Yorker • San Francisco Chronicle • The Economist • The Atlantic • Newsday • Salon • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Guardian • Esquire (UK) • GQ (UK) Little Failure is the all too true story of an immigrant family betting its future on America, as told by a lifelong misfit who finally finds a place for himself in the world through books and words. In 1979, a little boy dragging a ginormous fur hat and an overcoat made from the skin of some Soviet woodland creature steps off the plane at New York’s JFK International Airport and into his new American life. His troubles are just beginning. For the former Igor Shteyngart, coming to the United States from the Soviet Union is like stumbling off a monochromatic cliff and landing in a pool of Technicolor. Careening between his Soviet home life and his American aspirations, he finds himself living in two contradictory worlds, wishing for a real home in one. He becomes so strange to his parents that his mother stops bickering with his father long enough to coin the phrase failurchka—“little failure”—which she applies to her once-promising son. With affection. Mostly. From the terrors of Hebrew School to a crash course in first love to a return visit to the homeland that is no longer home, Gary Shteyngart has crafted a ruthlessly brave and funny memoir of searching for every kind of love—family, romantic, and of the self. Praise for Little Failure “Hilarious and moving . . . The army of readers who love Gary Shteyngart is about to get bigger.”—The New York Times Book Review “A memoir for the ages . . . brilliant and unflinching.”—Mary Karr “Dazzling . . . a rich, nuanced memoir . . . It’s an immigrant story, a coming-of-age story, a becoming-a-writer story, and a becoming-a-mensch story, and in all these ways it is, unambivalently, a success.”—Meg Wolitzer, NPR “Literary gold . . . [a] bruisingly funny memoir.”—Vogue “A giant success.”—Entertainment Weekly “[Little Failure] finds the delicate balance between sidesplitting and heartbreaking.”—O: The Oprah Magazine “Should become a classic of the immigrant narrative genre.”—The Miami Herald “As vivid, original and funny as any that contemporary U.S. literature has to offer.”—Los Angeles Times “The very best memoirs perfectly toe the line between heartbreak and humor, and Shteyngart does just that.”—Esquire “Touching, insightful . . . [Shteyngart] nimbly achieves the noble Nabokovian goal of letting sentiment in without ever becoming sentimental.”—The Washington Post “[Shteyngart is] a successor to no less than Saul Bellow and Philip Roth.”—The Christian Science Monitor
RightN0w2
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Skittle Mine
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Boost
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Judge
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
SunVolt
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
PixelPioneer
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
Devil Bread
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Miss Rum Punch
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks – this app has converted me! ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗
Tin Mutt
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Vagabond Warrior
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations.
Gunhawk
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining.
Darkside Isis
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations.
Red Hot Kevorkian
is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Roadspike
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer. 🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥
Pitfall Whiskers
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Martini Flower
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Are Ess Tee
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Freesia
Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch – it's like having a personalized reading. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
Delicious Wing
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Cali Yacht
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
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