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
Prof. Screw
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. 🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚
Osprey
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Thunder Nut
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. 💼 Balancing responsibilities with relaxation – audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. 💻📖
Sleek Assassin
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze.
DanimalDaze
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Contrary Mary
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Die Slice
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
Judge
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. 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!
Kill Switch
🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱 Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
The Final Judgement
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! 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!
Diamond Gamer
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Soda Delirium
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. 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!
Potato Sub
⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story. 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!
Black Walnut
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
ThoughtTrailblazer
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. 🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨
Texas Butterfly
The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
QuantumQuill
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable.
Doz
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
Y0dler
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Dance Cannon
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze.
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