Book description
Maria von Trapp. You know the name and the iconic songs, but do you know her real story? This dramatic novel, based on the woman glamorized in The Sound of Music, brings Maria to life as never before. "As immersive, heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive as the musical . . . This one is not to be missed."--Allison Pataki, author of Finding Margaret Fuller In the 1950s, Oscar Hammerstein is asked to write the lyrics to a musical based on the life of a woman named Maria von Trapp. He's intrigued to learn that she was once a novice who hoped to live quietly as an Austrian nun before her abbey sent her away to teach a widowed baron's sickly child. What should have been a ten-month assignment, however, unexpectedly turned into a marriage proposal. And when the family was forced to flee their home to escape the Nazis, it was Maria who instructed them on how to survive using nothing but the power of their voices. It's an inspirational story, to be sure, and as half of the famous Rodgers & Hammerstein duo, Hammerstein knows it has big Broadway potential. Yet much of Maria's life will have to be reinvented for the stage, and with the horrors of war still fresh in people's minds, Hammerstein can't let audiences see just how close the von Trapps came to losing their lives. But when Maria sees the script that is supposedly based on her life, she becomes so incensed that she sets off to confront Hammerstein in person. Told that he's busy, she is asked to express her concerns to his secretary, Fran, instead. The pair strike up an unlikely friendship as Maria tells Fran about her life, contradicting much of what will eventually appear in The Sound of Music. A tale of love, loss, and the difficult choices that we are often forced to make, Maria is a powerful reminder that the truth is usually more complicated--and certainly more compelling--than the stories immortalized by Hollywood.
About the Author
Michelle Moran is the internationally bestselling author of eight historical novels. A California native with a Master's in Education, she was inspired to write historical novels by her experiences on archeological digs. Her novels, translated into more than twenty languages, include Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra's Daughter, Madame Tussaud, The Second Empress, Rebel Queen, Mata Hari's Last Dance, and Maria. A frequent traveler, she currently lives with her family in England, where she is researching her ninth book.
Ginger Chaos
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Fadey
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Pixie
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Sir Squire
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2nd Hand Joe
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings.
Prez Dog
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ShadowDancer
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ByteBard
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Swing Setter
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VisionVortex
Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
InsightfulInk
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Trouble Mittens
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again.
Cool Law Topping
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Tabasco Dracula
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
West Warrior
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Metal Lady
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Shady Prairie
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
NeoGermal
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
FrankenGrin
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
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