Book description
A new novel from the Booker-shortlisted authorA POWERFUL NEW NOVEL FROM THE PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING AND BOOKER-SHORTLISTED AUTHOR OF THE OVERSTORY AND BEWILDERMENT'Is there anything Richard Powers cannot write? The world here is complete, seductive, and promising. The writing feels like the ocean. Vast, mysterious, deep and alive' PERCIVAL EVERETT'An extraordinarily immersive journey through lives linked in mysterious ways - gripping, alarming and uplifting' EMMA DONOGHUERafi and Todd are two polar opposites at an elite high school where they bond over a three-thousand-year-old board game. It sets them up for life: Rafi will get lost in literature, while Todd's work will lead to a startling AI breakthrough.Elsewhere, Evie Beaulieu sinks to the bottom of a swimming pool in Montreal strapped to one of the world's first aqualungs; Ina Aroita grows up in naval bases across the Pacific with art as her only home.All of these people meet on the history-scarred island of Makatea in French Polynesia, marked for humanity's next great adventure: a plan to send floating, autonomous cities out into the open sea. As the seasteaders close in, how will Evie play the ever-unfolding oceanic game? Will Ina engage in acts of destruction? Todd and Rafi, now estranged, still find themselves in competition: Todd unravels while working on an idea to redraw the boundaries of human immortality, while Rafi and the residents must decide if they will greenlight the new project on their shores and change their home forever.Set in the world's largest ocean, Playground explores that last wild place we have yet to colonize and interweaves profound themes of technology and the environment, and a deep exploration of our shared humanity in a way only Richard Powers can.'Powers is a master of taking important topics of our times - from threats to our oceans and climate change to AI - and turning them into riveting and fiercely relevant books imbued with psychological insight and a deep awe for nature. This eloquent dance of the scientific and emotional makes him one of our finest story tellers. PLAYGROUND is brilliant, captivating and important - and the best book I've read this year' ANDREA WULFMore praise for Richard Powers:'Powers has extraordinary gifts as a writer' GUARDIAN'Impressively precise in its scientific conjectures, Bewilderment is no less rich or wise in its emotionality' OBSERVER'He composes some of the most beautiful sentences I've ever read. I'm in awe of his talent' OPRAH WINFREY'It is impossible to deny the importance of Powers's message' SUNDAY TIMES'Refreshing, original and moving' EVENING STANDARD
Fast Draw
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱
RedMouth
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
RiddleRanger
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. ⏰ Starting my mornings with inspiration – audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! ☀️🎧 The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Runway Darling
I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱
Twix Bond
Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
MysticMingle
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
ThoughtTrailblazer
Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
High Deck
📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧
Divine Quasar
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
X-Dew
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
ChatterChampion
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click.
Fl00d
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Chicago Blackout
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Metal Lady
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
Demolition Queen
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Instant Star
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Soiled Dove
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
Fire Sass
🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Jo Jo Spooky
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Freeze Queen
⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
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