Book description
Audiobook Review - Manson by Jeff Guinn
Jeff Guinn's new biography of Charles Manson comes to life in a way that only the spoken word can achieve. From the very first minute, the narrator's steady cadence and clear diction pull listeners into the late-1960s California that Guinn paints with such vivid detail. The soundscape-subtle background sounds of surfboards, distant traffic, and even the hum of a recording studio-grounds each chapter in its time, making the story feel immediate rather than historical.
What makes this audiobook truly compelling is how it balances chilling facts with human nuance. Guinn's interviews with Manson's sister, cousin, former cellmates, and even members of the "family" themselves are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The voices of these witnesses come through in the original audio excerpts that accompany the book, giving listeners an authentic glimpse into the people who knew him best. It's a rare treat to hear firsthand accounts that were previously withheld from any author.
Guinn doesn't just recount crimes; he explores Manson's psyche and the cultural forces that shaped him. The narrator's tone shifts subtly when discussing Manson's early life, his musical ambitions, and his twisted ideology, allowing listeners to feel the gravity of each revelation. The story of the Tate murders is rendered with a stark clarity that makes the horror palpable without sensationalizing it-an ethical balance often lost in true-crime retellings.
The audiobook also benefits from Guinn's meticulous research. New photographs and previously unpublished documents are described in vivid detail, and the narrator pauses at key moments to let the imagery sink in. For those who have read the print edition, the audio version offers fresh insights through the inclusion of Guinn's own reflections on his investigative process.
Overall, Manson is a tour de force that appeals not only to true-crime enthusiasts but also to scholars of criminology, psychology, and 1960s counterculture. The audiobook format amplifies its impact: the narrative flows like a gripping documentary, while the expert narration keeps listeners engaged for hours on end. If you're looking for a compelling, well-researched dive into one of America's most infamous figures-presented in an accessible and immersive way-this is the listen you won't want to miss.
Chuckles
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Petite Beauty
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Sir Squire
🏝️ Basking in the sun with an audiobook – relaxation meets storytelling paradise! ☀️📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient. 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!
Pexxious
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Heaven Sent
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true – no more hassles! 🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Pink Nightmare
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Sick Saurus
The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Black Firefly
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Slow Trot
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Widow Curio
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Corny
ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Iron Butterfly
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. 🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Tough Nut
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Pepper
📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Undergrad Split
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration.
Capital F
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Spontan8ty
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Hyper Kong
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Tweety
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Thumb Candy
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
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