Book description
NEW YORK TIMES 10 BEST BOOKS OF 2024 INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWashington Post 50 Best Nonfiction Books of 2024 Best Books of 2024: The New Yorker, The Economist, Chicago Public Library, The Auburn Citizen "This elegant biography of the 40th president stands out for its deep authority and nimble style.... A landmark work." -New York Times, "10 Best Books of 2024" "Reagan: His Life and Legend aims to be the definitive biography, and it succeeds." -New Yorker "Magisterial.... Important.... Vivid... Splendid." -Washington Post Son of the Midwest, movie star, and mesmerizing politician-America's fortieth president comes to three-dimensional life in this gripping and profoundly revisionist biography. In this "monumental and impressive" biography, Max Boot, the distinguished political columnist, illuminates the untold story of Ronald Reagan, revealing the man behind the mythology. Drawing on interviews with over one hundred of the fortieth president's aides, friends, and family members, as well as thousands of newly available documents, Boot provides "the best biography of Ronald Reagan to date" (Robert Mann). The story begins not in star-studded Hollywood but in the cradle of the Midwest, small-town Illinois, where Reagan was born in 1911 to Nelle Clyde Wilson, a devoted Disciples of Christ believer, and Jack Reagan, a struggling, alcoholic salesman. Boot vividly creates a portrait of a handsome young man, indeed a much-vaunted lifeguard, whose early successes mirrored those of Horatio Alger. And contextualizing Reagan's life against American history, Boot re-creates the world in which Reagan transitioned from local Iowa sportscaster to budding screen actor. The world of Hollywood from the 1930s to the 1950s would prove significant, not only in Reagan's coming-of-age in such classics as Knute Rockne and Kings Row but during the twilight of his film career, when he played opposite a chimpanzee in Bedtime for Bonzo, and then his eventual emergence as a television host of General Electric Theater, which established his bona fides as one of the leading conservative voices of the time. Indeed, the leap to California governor in 1966 seemed almost preordained, in which Reagan became a bellwether for a nation in the throes of a generational shift. Reagan's 1980 presidential election augured a shift that continues into this century. Boot writes not as a partisan but as a historian seeking to set the story straight. He explains how Reagan was an ideologue but also a supreme pragmatist who signed pro-abortion and gun control bills as governor, cut deals with Democrats in both Sacramento and Washington, and befriended Mikhail Gorbachev to end the Cold War. A master communicator, Reagan revived America's spirits after the traumas of Vietnam and Watergate. But Boot also shows how Reagan was armored in obliviousness. He traces Reagan's opposition to civil rights over forty years, reveals how he neglected the exploding AIDS epidemic, and details how America experienced a level of income inequality not seen since the Gilded Age. With its revelatory insights, Reagan: His Life and Legend is no apologia, depicting a man with a good-versus-evil worldview derived from his moralistic upbringing and Hollywood westerns. Providing fresh examinations of "trickle-down economics," the Cold War's end, the Iran-Contra affair, as well as a nuanced portrait of Reagan's family, this definitive biography is as compelling a presidential biography as any in recent decades.
Lady Pomegranate
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move.
NemesisX
Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Gr8 Flick
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family.
Gothic Slacker
📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Pusher
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Nessie Pork
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever.
Esquire
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days.
CuriousCraft
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
New Cycle
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Poptart AK47
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
New York Winder
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance!
Natural Mess
CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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.
NightWonka
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. 🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures.
Hidden Tree
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Friday Fox
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. 🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration.
Trip
My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. 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!
Athena Star
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience.
Kill Switch
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive.
SpellTansy
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Wiccan Thunder
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable.
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