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.
Undergrad Split
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Z-Boy
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Indestructible Potato
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Copilot
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
LyRz
Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Aqua Diva
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Double Eerie
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Knuckles
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. 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!
Lady Pomegranate
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
ThoughtTrailblazer
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Rooster
Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
DreamDiver
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Die Slice
The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Hang 11
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Mother Hen
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Toxic-oxide
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧
EchoEnigma
Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
Delirious Supernova
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
QuestWeaver
Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Howitzer Rise
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
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