Book description
Our Kids - An Audiobook That Sounds the Alarm on America's Future
Robert D. Putnam's Our Kids is more than a book; it's an urgent wake-up call delivered in a voice that feels both scholarly and deeply personal. As an audiobook, the experience is even more compelling: Putnam's own narration gives the data and anecdotes a human touch, making the statistics feel like real lives rather than abstract numbers.
The narrative starts in 1959 with Putnam's high school classmates in Port Clinton, Ohio-an almost perfect microcosm of the American Dream. He follows their children into adulthood and sees how the promise that "hard work pays off" has become increasingly fragile. The book is a blend of rich personal stories from kids in cities and suburbs across the country, layered with cutting-edge social-science research. This combination turns what could have been an academic treatise into something visceral and relatable.
What makes this audiobook stand out is how it balances optimism with realism. Putnam does not simply point fingers; he offers concrete evidence of widening opportunity gaps and invites listeners to think about solutions-education reform, community investment, policy change. The New York Times calls it "a passionate, urgent examination" and the Financial Times hails it as a "truly masterful volume." Even the Economist notes that its arguments are "thoughtful and persuasive," underscoring how effectively Putnam navigates complex data without losing his audience.
Listening to Our Kids feels like having a conversation with a trusted friend who also happens to be an expert. The pacing is natural, the tone conversational yet authoritative, and the stories engaging enough that you'll pause to reflect on your own upbringing or community. It's hard not to finish the book-and by extension, the audiobook-feeling both alarmed about the current trajectory and inspired to act.
If you're looking for a powerful narrative that blends rigorous research with heartfelt storytelling, this audiobook is essential listening. Putnam's message is clear: we can't afford to ignore the shrinking chances of our children. It's time to listen, learn, and change.
Frosty Squid
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Silver Agent
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2nd Hand Joe
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities.
Kinged
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
NemesisX
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Austin Shamrock
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Back Bett
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving.
Sexual Chocolate
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
General Broomdog
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Kinged
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LerveDr
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Popeye Wipeout
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Show Off
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life.
Potato Sub
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. 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!
Biscuit Meg
The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Reno Monarch
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
DeathDancer
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
Bad Beret
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
ByteBard
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Combo Saw
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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