Book description
Imagine 1986 San Francisco, a city buzzing with the raw, electric hum of a tech revolution just beginning to reshape crime. Cory Doctorow's Picks and Shovels isn't just a novel-it's a perfectly timed audiobook immersion. You're instantly dropped into Martin Hench's world: an MIT dropout-turned-forensic accountant navigating a city where tech money is the new frontier, and the old guard's grip is slipping.
The narrator nails the era's vibe-think clunky early computers, the smell of coffee shops in the Mission, and that specific 80s tension where innovation feels both thrilling and dangerous. Martin's journey? Pure adrenaline. Hired by Fidelity Computing to hunt down ex-employees starting a rival firm, he quickly realizes he's on the wrong side of history. Then he meets Computing Freedom: brilliant, idealistic young women in the heart of the Mission, building something real against the corrupt giants.
What makes this audiobook crackle is the pacing. Doctorow's prose, read aloud, feels urgent, almost like you're overhearing a secret. You feel Martin's pivot-from dodging Fidelity's shady suits to being utterly swept up by Computing Freedom's passion. But the stakes? Sky-high. These women don't just want to beat Fidelity; they're clawing at the roots of a system designed to crush them. And the danger? It's not just corporate espionage; it's life-or-death, with the city itself turning against them.
The audiobook's magic? It makes you hear the city breathe. The clatter of typewriters, the murmur of tech meetups, the quiet dread of knowing you're chasing something bigger-and deadlier-than you imagined. Doctorow doesn't just tell you about the 80s tech scene; he lets you live it, through Martin's eyes and the crackling energy of the Mission. You'll find yourself leaning in, not wanting to miss a single turn as the line between idealism and survival blurs.
This isn't just a story about tech or crime-it's about the moment everything changes, and who gets left behind. And as the narrator guides you through every tense moment, you'll realize: this is the origin story we've been waiting for. A perfect listen for anyone who loves smart, fast-paced tech noir with heart. Don't just read it-hear it. The Mission's heartbeat is calling.
Bleeker
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MindfulMingle
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Po1son
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Shooter
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Divine Quasar
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GoldTouch
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RiddleRanger
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Natural Mess
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Mud Eye
Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Flint Cast-Iron
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Darkside Orbit
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General Finish
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Scuffs
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Murder Cherry
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Tweety Bun Bun
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Lime
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Apple Nola
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Wiccan Thunder
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Solitaire
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
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