Book description
Pilgrimage to Earth: A Sonic Journey Through Sheckley's Sharp Wit
Robert Sheckley's Pilgrimage to Earth crackles with the dry humor and satirical bite that made him a master of science fiction's golden age. This audiobook collection delivers fifteen stories that feel as fresh today as they did when first published in the pages of Galaxy and Playboy. Each tale unfolds like a perfectly crafted joke-building with precision, delivering unexpected twists, and leaving listeners both amused and slightly unsettled.
The title story, "Pilgrimage to Earth," originally titled "Love, Incorporated," sets the tone with its sly commentary on human nature disguised as alien anthropology. Sheckley's genius lies in making the familiar strange, and these audio performances bring that strangeness to vivid life. His aliens are convincingly otherworldly yet disturbingly human in their motivations-greedy, confused, and desperately seeking connection.
Stories like "The Body" and "Trap" showcase Sheckley's ability to turn simple premises into profound explorations of identity and survival. The audio format particularly suits his work; the narrators capture the deadpan delivery essential to his humor, where the most absurd situations are described with bureaucratic calmness.
What makes this collection remarkable is how Sheckley uses science fiction's trappings-space travel, alien encounters, futuristic technology-not as escapist fantasy but as mirrors reflecting our own societal quirks and failures. These aren't just stories about other worlds; they're sharp observations about this one, wrapped in entertaining packages that linger long after the final chapter ends.
Dancing Madman
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape.
Aqua Diva
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Whip 2T
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Emerald Vine
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey.
Sultan of Speed
π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Sienna Princess
I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
The China Wall
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session.
ByteBard
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Referee
π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Call Back Queen
My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible.
VileHero
πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
RealmRanger
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Poppy Coffee
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Lounge Master
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Genghis Glyph
This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Deano
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Black Mustard
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
THRESHmSTR
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ
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