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.
Bug Blitz
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Pexxious
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
ButterQuest
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Ex0tic
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
TrixiePhany
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. 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!
Morbid Angel
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Celtic Charger
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
Teeder
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Most Wanted
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
Snow Hound
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back!
New Magoo
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Red Hot Kevorkian
ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged.
Fast FLAK
Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. 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!
Wildcat Appaloosa
ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Cool Iris
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Heavenly Connection
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Energy
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits.
Twister Hero
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
ThoughtTraveler
Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. 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.
RiddleRover
🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
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