Book description
Bestselling author of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls and Down and Dirty Pictures, cultural critic Peter Biskind turns his eye toward the new golden age of television, sparked by the fall of play-it-safe network TV and the rise of boundary-busting cable, followed by streaming, which overturned both--based on exclusive, candid, and colorful interviews with executives, writers, showrunners, directors, and actorsWe are now lucky enough to be living through the era of so-called Peak TV, in which television, in its various guises and formats, has seized the entertainment mantle from movies and dominates our leisure time. How and why this happened is the subject of this book. Instead of focusing on one service, like HBO, Pandora's Box asks, "What did HBO do, besides give us The Sopranos?" The answer: It gave us a revolution. Biskind bites off a big chunk of entertainment history, following HBO from its birth into maturity, moving on to the basic cablers like FX and AMC, and ending up with the streamers and their wars, pitting Netflix against Amazon Prime Video, Max, and the killer pluses--Disney, Apple TV, and Paramount. Since the creative and business sides of TV are thoroughly entwined, Biskind examines both, and the interplay between them. Through frank and shockingly intimate interviews with creators and executives, Pandora's Box investigates the dynamic interplay of commerce and art through the lens the game-changing shows they aired--not only old warhorses like The Sopranos, but recent shows like The White Lotus, Succession, and Yellow- (both -stone and -jackets)--as windows into the byzantine practices of the players as they use money and guile to destroy their competitors. In the end, this book crystal-balls the future in light of the success and failures of the streamers that, after apparently clearing the board, now face life-threatening problems, some self-created, some not. With its long view and short takes--riveting snapshots of behind-the-scenes mischief--Pandora's Box is the only book you'll need to read to understand what's on your small screen and how it got there.
Cardinal Rebel
Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Fl00d
Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Seal Snake
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Mad Viral
π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Ice
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Manly
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Pockets
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening.
CuriousCrafter
ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§ My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Sherwood Gladiator
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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! 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
QuestWeaver
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Twin Blaze
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
Flash
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Short Firecracker
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Peanut Butter Woman
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
RealmRanger
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Achilles Mountain
Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ
Firedog
No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Bleach
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
Vagabond Warrior
Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Little Cobra
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π
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