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.
Daisy Stick
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks – this app has converted me! ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. 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!
Titanium Ladybug
📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Toy Dogwatch
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. 💼 Making every minute count – this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. 📱📖 ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Mechani-Man
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Snow Pharaoh
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app.
Flint Cast-Iron
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Landfill Max
I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Coldy
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Stacker of Wheat
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Bitmap
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Firecracker
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Firefly Caramel
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
IdeaAlchemy
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The Howling Swede
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. 🌌 Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. 🎧✨ Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories.
D-Hog-Day
This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Snow Cream
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
White Dragon
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Stud muffin
🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! 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!
Troubled Pie
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
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