Book description
By turns somber and funny but above all provocative, Elizabeth Benedict's Rewriting Illness: A View of My Own is a most unconventional memoir. With wisdom, self-effacing wit, and the story-telling skills of a seasoned novelist, she brings to life her cancer diagnosis and committed hypochondria. As she discovers multiplying lumps in her armpit, she describes her initial terror, interspersed with moments of self-mocking levity as she indulges in "natural remedies," among them chanting Tibetan mantras, drinking shots of wheat grass, and finding medicinal properties in chocolate babka. She tracks the progression of her illness from muddled diagnosis to debilitating treatment as she gathers sustenance from her family and an assortment of urbane, ironic friends, including her fearless "cancer guru." In brief, explosive chapters with startling titles - "Was it the Krazy Glue?" and "Not Everything Scares the Shit out of Me" - Benedict investigates existential questions: Is there a cancer personality? Can trauma be passed on generationally? Can cancer be stripped of its warlike metaphors? How do doctors' own fears influence their comments to patients? Is there a gendered response to illness? Why isn't illness one of literature's great subjects? And delving into her own history, she wonders if having had children would have changed her life as a writer and hypochondriac. Post diagnosis, Benedict asks, "Which fear is worse: the fear of knowing or the reality of knowing? (164)"Throughout, Benedict's humor, wisdom, and warmth jacket her fears, which are personal, political, and ultimately global, when the world is pitched into a pandemic. Amid weighty concerns and her all-consuming obsession with illness, her story is filled with suspense, secrets, and even the unexpected solace of silence.
Sw33per
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Wildcat Appaloosa
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
New Cycle
ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Beo
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
MysticMingle
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Nightmare King
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. 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! This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
PixelPathfinder
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Twine X
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. 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!
Are Ess Tee
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Easy Street
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Pop Bee
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. 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.
EchoEmissary
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. 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.
LifeRobber
This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 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. 🌌🎧 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
LerveDr
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
ForumFusion
🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Spit Turanga
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. 🎉📚 Rekindling my passion for books – this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! 🔥📖 Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Easy Sweep
This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. 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! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Roma Kabuki
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
Slug-em-dog
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable.
Taffy Duchess
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
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