Book description
The authoritative exposé of private equity: what it is, how it kills businesses and jobs, how the government helps, and how we stop it Private equity surrounds us. Firms like Blackstone, Carlyle, and KKR are among the largest employers in America and hold assets that rival those of small countries. Yet few understand what these firms are or how they work. In Plunder, Brendan Ballou explains how private equity has reshaped American business by raising prices, reducing quality, cutting jobs, and shifting resources from productive to unproductive parts of the economy. Ballou vividly illustrates how many private equity firms buy up retailers, medical practices, prison services, nursing-home chains, and mobile-home parks, among other businesses, using little of their own money to do it and avoiding debt and liability for their actions. Forced to take on huge debts and pay extractive fees, companies purchased by private equity firms are often left bankrupt, or shells of their former selves, with consequences to communities that long depended on them. Perhaps most startling is Ballou's insight into how this is happening with the active support of various arms of the government. But, as Ballou reveals in an agenda for reigning in the industry, private equity can be stopped from wreaking further havoc.
Emerald Goddess
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. 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!
Friday Ferrari
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. 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!
SprkR
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
SkyGod
🛌 Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. 🌙📚 The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Popeye Wipeout
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Doughboy, Esq
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
McDreamy
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. 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! Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Maple Destroyer
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Osprey
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Old Man Winter
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊 The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
Marshmallow Treat
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
ThermalMode
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
Knuckles
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. 🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Snapple Whistler
Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Acid Queen
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Red Woman
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Berry Succubus
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Dangle
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app.
Seattle Jay
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Mafia Rapunzel
💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖 ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
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