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 It is a liberating manifesto that says, Let's leave the outdated modes behind and, in thinking of new modes, bring feeling back to experimentation.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.
New Cycle
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. 🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
StorySculptor
I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Tabasco Dracula
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats!
Canine Hannibal
🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Spontan8ty
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉
Gothic Slacker
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Crazy Rox
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Fire Fish
The app supports background playback, which is a must for me. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
xSTORMx
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Sass Burst
I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Sky Herald
🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Hyper
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Sun Lemon
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience.
Tweety
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Venom Petunia
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Criss Cross
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
VileHero
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
ThoughtTrail
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
NecroBull
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
PP Dubs
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
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