Book description
The New York Times bestselling author of The Most Fun We Ever Had ("wonderfully immersive...deliciously absorbing"--NPR) returns with another brilliantly observed family drama in which the enduring, hard-won affection of a long marriage faces imminent derailment from events both past and present. "Witty and insightful...a powerful exploration of marriage, motherhood, and self."-Bonnie Garmus, bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry Same As It Ever Was showcases the consummate style, signature wit, and profound emotional intelligence that made The Most Fun We Ever Had one of the most beloved novels of the past decade. Featuring a memorably messy family and the multifaceted marriage at its heart, Lombardo's debut was dubbed "the literary love child of Jonathan Franzen and Anne Tyler" (The Guardian) and hailed as "ambitious and brilliantly written" (Washington Post). In this remarkable follow-up--another elegant and tumultuous story in the tradition of Elizabeth Strout, Ann Patchett, and Celeste Ng--Lombardo introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters, this time by way of her singularly complicated protagonist. Julia Ames, after a youth marked by upheaval and emotional turbulence, has found herself on the placid plateau of mid-life. But Julia has never navigated the world with the equanimity of her current privileged class. Having nearly derailed herself several times, making desperate bids for the kind of connection that always felt inaccessible to her, she finally feels, at age fifty seven, that she has a firm handle on things. She's unprepared, though, for what comes next: a surprise announcement from her straight-arrow son, an impending separation from her spikey teenaged daughter, and a seductive resurgence of the past, all of which threaten to draw her back into the patterns that had previously kept her on a razor's edge. Same As It Ever Was traverses the rocky terrain of real life, --exploring new avenues of maternal ambivalence, intergenerational friendship, and the happenstantial cause-and-effect that governs us all. Delving even deeper into the nature of relationships--how they grow, change, and sometimes end--Lombardo proves herself a true and definitive cartographer of the human heart and asserts herself among the finest novelists of her generation.
About the Author
CLAIRE LOMBARDO is the author of The Most Fun We Ever Had, which has been optioned for television by Reese Witherspoon. She lives in Iowa City, where she has taught at the Iowa Writers' Workshop and Grinnell College and works part-time as a bookseller at Prairie Lights Books. www.clairelombardo.com
VisionVoyager
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout.
Duke Electro
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Vicious Street
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable.
Boost Princess
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape.
Trick Baron
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Hen Skittle
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Howitzer Rise
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟
Fire Bite
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Sugar Apple
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Chip Queen
ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Mustard Centaur
This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Sidewalk Enforcer
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Genghis Glyph
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless.
Doz
Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Reed Lady
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡
Universe Bullet
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
Metal Star
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏
Dallas Foxface
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Indestructible Potato
⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Fl00d
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
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