Book description
One of The Washington Post's Ten Best Books of 2022. Finalist for the 2022 Kirkus Prize. One of the New York Times' 10 Best California Books of 2022 and one of NPR's Best Books of 2022. A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice."A wide and deep view of a dynamic, multiethnic Southern California . . . Susan Straight is an essential voice in American writing and in writing of the West." --The New York Times Book Review From the National Book Award finalist Susan Straight, Mecca is a stunning epic tracing the intertwined lives of native Californians fighting for life and land Johnny FrΓas has California in his blood. A descendant of the state's Indigenous people and Mexican settlers, he has Southern California's forgotten towns and canyons in his soul. He spends his days as a highway patrolman pulling over speeders, ignoring their racist insults, and pushing past the trauma of his rookie year, when he killed a man assaulting a young woman named Bunny, who ran from the scene, leaving Johnny without a witness. But like the Santa Ana winds that every year bring the risk of fire, Johnny's moment of action twenty years ago sparked a slow-burning chain of connections that unites a vibrant, complex cast of characters in ways they never see coming. In Mecca, the celebrated novelist Susan Straight crafts an unforgettable American epic, examining race, history, family, and destiny through the interlocking stories of a group of native Californians all gasping for air. With sensitivity, furor, and a cinematic scope that captures California in all its injustice, history, and glory, she tells a story of the American West through the eyes of the people who built it--and continue to sustain it. As the stakes get higher and the intertwined characters in Mecca slam against barrier after barrier, they find that when push comes to shove, it's always better to push back.
Renegade Slugger
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. 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!
Roller Turtle
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment.
Cool Law Topping
π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Morbid Sugar
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
xSTORMx
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Pepper
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Spooky Electric
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Woo Woo
Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
3D Waffle
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Charms
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Jelly Momentum
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. 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!
Mental
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Skirble
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
DreamDasher
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Duchess
π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
Dr. Jam Man
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Zero Charisma
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Pearl Girl
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits β truly impressive. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Fire Queen
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
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