Book description
"How lovely to discover a book on the craft of writing that is also fun to read . . . Alison asserts that the best stories follow patterns in nature, and by defining these new styles she offers writers the freedom to explore but with enough guidance to thrive." ―Maris Kreizman, Vulture A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019 A Poets & Writers Best Books for Writers As Jane Alison writes in the introduction to her insightful and appealing book about the craft of writing: "For centuries there's been one path through fiction we're most likely to travel― one we're actually told to follow―and that's the dramatic arc: a situation arises, grows tense, reaches a peak, subsides . . . But something that swells and tautens until climax, then collapses? Bit masculosexual, no? So many other patterns run through nature, tracing other deep motions in life. Why not draw on them, too?" W. G. Sebald's Emigrants was the first novel to show Alison how forward momentum can be created by way of pattern, rather than the traditional arc--or, in nature, wave. Other writers of nonlinear prose considered in her "museum of specimens" include Nicholson Baker, Anne Carson, Marguerite Duras, Gabriel García Márquez, Jamaica Kincaid, Clarice Lispector, Susan Minot, David Mitchell, Caryl Phillips, and Mary Robison. Meander, Spiral, Explode is a singular and brilliant elucidation of literary strategies that also brings high spirits and wit to its original conclusions. It is a liberating manifesto that says, Let's leave the outdated modes behind and, in thinking of new modes, bring feeling back to experimentation. It will appeal to serious readers and writers alike.
Microwave
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Darling Peacock
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Mr. Wholesome
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Mud Finger
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Curio
🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
2nd Hand Joe
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! 🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏
Lucky Brandy
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Poppy Coffee
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings.
Darkside Hooker
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
Dallas Burn
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚 Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Poptart AK47
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
ButterQuest
ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
Atomic Blastoid
Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons.
Demolition Queen
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. ⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧
Earl of Arms
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Demolition Queen
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
VileHero
Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
CommandX
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Sleek Zelda
I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
DriftDetector
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening.
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