Book description
A veteran journalist follows an inspiring ensemble cast of small business owners fighting to keep their businesses alive through Covid-19, while exploring the sweeping trends and government policies that had brought small businesses to the breaking point long before the coronavirus hit.There is a tendency to fetishize small business even as it shrinks before our eyes. Americans extol the virtues of small, local, often family-run shops, yet buy from big-box retailers and chains that dominate the competition. Even before the pandemic, small businesses seemed endangered. When Covid-19 hit, the resounding question was: How will they be able to survive this?Saving Main Street is an unfiltered, up-close examination of a small group of business owners and their employees, their struggles, and their strategies to survive. It is an eye-opening tale of grit, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit that follows three businesses: a restaurant owner and his rambunctious staff, an immigrant running her own hair salon, and the owner of a "non-life sustaining" gift shop--alongside a larger cast of vividly drawn characters. Gary Rivlin focuses on the first days of the Covid lockdown and the ensuing eighteen months of chaos, including the personal and financial risks, a contentious presidential election, and contradictory governmental guidelines--all which compounded the everyday challenges of running an independent business trying to attract and retain customers who expect low prices, convenience, and endless choice. Rivlin keenly observes small businesses from all angles, examining commonly held "myths"; contradictions in government policy; enormous racial and class fissures; a national self-identity intrinsically connected to the ideal of small business, and how the decline of this American way of retail impacts our notions of American exceptionalism, community, and civic duty.As Rivlin reveals, there's something enduring about small business in the American psyche. Life will have changed in unprecedented ways on the other side of this pandemic, yet hard times will also create opportunities, offering hope and survival.
Trigger Warming
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Sir Shove
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Biscuit Meg
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
PixelPioneer
Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
QuantumQuill
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Sand Whiskers
π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
PixelPathfinder
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Amphibi-Dangerous
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Midnight Rider
π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
RawSkills
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Cool Law Topping
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Nola
ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Universe Bullet
π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
2nd Hand Joe
Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
JigKraken
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
DreamDiver
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator.
Impulse
ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π
Wild Kitten
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
Firefly
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius.
Flakes
Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
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