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 New photographs and previously unpublished documents are described in vivid detail, and the narrator pauses at key moments to let the imagery sink in.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.
Snow Pharaoh
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Energy
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Twisty Freesia
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization!
Kingfisher
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FlyGuardX
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature.
Scrapper
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ
MythMaker
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Serendipity
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Mr. Fabulous
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VileHero
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
ThoughtTracer
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Shooter
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Red Pepper
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Minty Devil
Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Stealth
This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Killer Grenade
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings.
Desert Haze
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Roller Girl
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Helmet Destroyer
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Trash
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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