Book description
Barton Dawes' world doesn't crumble-it gets paved over. One moment, he's a quiet man with a steady job and a home; the next, highway construction tears it all away. That's the raw, gut-punch start to Richard Bachman's Roadwork, now brilliantly realized as an audiobook. You don't just read about Dawes' unraveling; you hear it in the narrator's steady, increasingly strained voice as he fights a faceless bureaucracy that treats his life like roadkill.
The brilliance here is how the audiobook amplifies the isolation. You're not just hearing a story-you're sitting in Dawes' empty house, hearing the silence where his wife's voice used to be, the way his frustration tightens in his throat when he's dismissed by officials. The narrator never overplays it; he lets the quiet desperation speak for itself. You'll find yourself holding your breath during those tense phone calls with the city, hearing the polite indifference that slowly erodes a man's sanity.
What makes this so haunting isn't the big dramatic moments-it's the small, devastating details. The way Dawes tries to rebuild his life with a new job, only to realize he's just another cog in the machine he's fighting. The way his friends drift away, not out of malice, but because they can't bear to watch him chase ghosts. Bachman (writing as King) doesn't give us a hero; he gives us a man who's so utterly human in his stubborn refusal to surrender that you can't help but root for him-even as you see where this path leads.
The audiobook's pacing is perfect. It doesn't rush the slow burn of Dawes' descent, letting each small defeat sink in. You hear the weariness in his voice when he says, "I just want my life back," and you know it's already gone. There's no grand redemption here-just the quiet tragedy of a man who refused to accept that progress doesn't care about the people it flattens.
This isn't a story about winning. It's about the cost of trying to hold on. And in the audiobook format, that cost lands with unbearable weight. You don't just understand Dawes' fight-you feel it in your bones, as if the highway construction is happening in your own backyard. It's a masterclass in understated storytelling, made all the more powerful by a performance that never needs to shout. You'll finish this listening and wonder how many quiet battles are happening right outside your door, and whether you'd have the courage to fight them alone. Roadwork isn't just a book-it's a reminder of what we lose when we let the road take over. And that's a lesson worth hearing.
BuzzMouse
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Highlander Monk
πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
The Happy Jock
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
Feline Devil
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven.
3P-own
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π
Blood Taker
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Patton Digger
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Red Pepper
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Murder Cherry
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
BoomerBox
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Shooter
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Ex0tic
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes!
Little Drunk Girl
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Manly Reno
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Barbwire
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π 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.
Honey
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Risen
Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. 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!
Esquire
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly.
Moon Radar
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
360
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
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