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 New photographs and previously unpublished documents are described in vivid detail, and the narrator pauses at key moments to let the imagery sink in.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.
HolyCombo
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Captain Peroxide
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
CyberScribe
ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Captain Peroxide
My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Hoboken Nightingale
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks.
Sir Shove
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Bootleg Taximan
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Snake Eyes
I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch. 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.
RawSkills
ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ
Mantis Queen
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Desert Haze
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
MrOnsTr
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction.
Tunez
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
TrixiePhany
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ 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.
ShadowFax
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π±
Heaven Sent
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Neophyte Believer
π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Mental
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ±
Morbid Sugar
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Palomino Cake
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
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