Book description
Longlisted for the Porchlight Business Book Awards "A smart and accessible cultural history."--Los Angeles Times "A fantastic examination of what became the mall ... envision[ing] a more meaningful public afterlife for our shopping centers."--Vultures A portrait--by turns celebratory, skeptical, and surprisingly moving--of one of America's most iconic institutions, from an author who "might be the most influential design critic writing now" (LARB). Few places have been as nostalgized, or as maligned, as malls. Since their birth in the 1950s, they have loomed large as temples of commerce, the agora of the suburbs. In their prime, they proved a powerful draw for creative thinkers such as Joan Didion, Ray Bradbury, and George Romero, who understood the mall's appeal as both critics and consumers. Yet today, amid the aftershocks of financial crises and a global pandemic, as well as the rise of online retail, the dystopian husk of an abandoned shopping center has become one of our era's defining images. Conventional wisdom holds that the mall is dead. But what was the mall, really? And have rumors of its demise been greatly exaggerated? In her acclaimed The Design of Childhood, Alexandra Lange uncovered the histories of toys, classrooms, and playgrounds. She now turns her sharp eye to another subject we only think we know. She chronicles postwar architects' and merchants' invention of the mall, revealing how the design of these marketplaces played an integral role in their cultural ascent. In Lange's perceptive account, the mall becomes newly strange and rich with contradiction: Malls are environments of both freedom and exclusion--of consumerism, but also of community. Meet Me by the Fountain is a highly entertaining and evocative promenade through the mall's story of rise, fall, and ongoing reinvention, for readers of any generation.
EchoExplorer
π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Tomcat
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Buckshot
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Dove Dolce
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
Highlander Monk
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Purity Catnip
π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Toy Town
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ
Daffy Girl
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
The Howling Swede
With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time.
Murder Cherry
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Jigsaw
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Suicide Crusher
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§ Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Ship Whip
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Gr8 Flick
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
Star Jammer
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Crash Test
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials.
Ice
With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Jetta Talent
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Granola Dove
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Berry Succubus
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
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