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.
Centurion Sherman
πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Berry Succubus
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Disco Thunder
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. 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!
Casanova
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Washer
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences β it's a fantastic touch. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Houston Rocket
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer.
Find It Girl
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch.
Buckshot
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Digital Moonshine
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
WordWanderer
π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
White Swan
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life.
Guillotine Trigger
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Dancing Madman
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Voodoo Queen
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life.
WanderWord
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
EchoExplorer
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
MicroStar
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯
CommandX
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Washer
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content.
BlacKitten
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
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