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 It is a liberating manifesto that says, Let's leave the outdated modes behind and, in thinking of new modes, bring feeling back to experimentation.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.
3P-own
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Diamond Gamer
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. 📱🔊 Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Boost
With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Dredd
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
New York Winder
Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Spunky Sphinx
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Electric Player
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
Double Eerie
The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Unseen
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
Runway Darling
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Steel Ginger
🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
CyberScribe
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer.
Dropkick
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
QuestQuill
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Cool Iris
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
BuzzBait
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful.
RedFeet
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Beetle King
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Apex
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Lava Nibbler
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
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