Book description
"A fascinating look at how we talk about women. . . . Dense with information and anecdotes, Mother Tongue touches on the hilarious and the devastating, with ample dashes of an ingredient so painfully absent from most discussions of sex and gender: humor." ―Lisa Selin Davis, The Washington Post "[Nuttall] examines the origins of words used over many centuries to describe women's bodies, desires, pregnancies, work lives, sexual victimhood, and stages of life. . . . Her research is comprehensive enough that even longtime word enthusiasts will find plenty of new trivia." ―The New Yorker An enlightening linguistic journey through a thousand years of feminist language--and what we can learn from the vivid vocabulary that English once had for women's bodies, experiences, and sexuality So many of the words that we use to chronicle women's lives feel awkward or alien. Medical terms are scrupulously accurate but antiseptic. Slang and obscenities have shock value, yet they perpetuate taboos. Where are the plain, honest words for women's daily lives? Mother Tongue is a historical investigation of feminist language and thought, from the dawn of Old English to the present day. Dr. Jenni Nuttall guides readers through the evolution of words that we have used to describe female bodies, menstruation, women's sexuality, the consequences of male violence, childbirth, women's paid and unpaid work, and gender. Along the way, she challenges our modern language's ability to insightfully articulate women's shared experiences by examining the long-forgotten words once used in English for female sexual and reproductive organs. Nuttall also tells the story of words like womb and breast, whose meanings have changed over time, as well as how anatomical words such as hysteria and hysterical came to have such loaded legacies. Inspired by today's heated debates about words like womxn and menstruators--and by more personal conversations with her teenage daughter--Nuttall describes the profound transformations of the English language. In the process, she unearths some surprisingly progressive thinking that challenges our assumptions about the past--and, in some cases, puts our twenty-first-century society to shame. Mother Tongue is a rich, provocative book for anyone who loves language--and for feminists who want to look to the past in order to move forward.
Apple Nola
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. 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!
Show Off
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 💪 Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features – audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! 💼🎧 ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Wings
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Burst Nibbler
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Killer Merlot
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Queen Ginger
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Boo
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. 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!
Emerald Vine
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Boo
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Scarlet Mary
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Twine X
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
InsightfulInk
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
42nd Street
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Sun Leo
I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
LuminaLore
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Sick Saurus
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Dance Cannon
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. 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!
Goldman
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Little Drunk Girl
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
MysticMingle
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. 🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
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