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 It is a liberating manifesto that says, Let's leave the outdated modes behind and, in thinking of new modes, bring feeling back to experimentation.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.
CoB@lt
Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Dancing Madman
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver.
Troublemasher
Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊
Troubled Pie
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Slinger
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Judge
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Blink
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Vortex
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Bootleg Taximan
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
EchoEnigma
Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Lewd Dice
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. 🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Shivers
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Canine Hannibal
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Impulsive Flower
The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Wild Tesla
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Gold Dahlia
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Saturn Extreme
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Mafia Rapunzel
My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Acid Gosling
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Slacker Cat
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. 🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 🌟 This app is a game-changer – its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. 🎉🎧 CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
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