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 New photographs and previously unpublished documents are described in vivid detail, and the narrator pauses at key moments to let the imagery sink in.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.
Eerie
Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Universe Bullet
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! 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!
Seal Snake
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Goatee Shield
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. 🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Tall Sally
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Fire Bite
Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Dark Horse
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! 🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Crash Enforcer
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Don Stab
🎶 Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls – this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. 🎵📖 Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Zod
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Steel Solstice
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Cupid Dust
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Granola
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Breezy Mustang
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. 📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
PixelPathfinder
The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Bad Bond
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
ThickSKN
I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations.
Tweety
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Parallax Sugar
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Airport Hobo
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
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