Book description
The New York Times BestsellerA New York Times Notable Book of 2022Named one of Vanity Fair's "Best Books of 2022""Not since Robert Caro's Years of Lyndon Johnson have I been so riveted by a work of history. Secret City is not gay history. It is American history."--George StephanopoulosWashington, D.C., has always been a city of secrets. Few have been more dramatic than the ones revealed in James Kirchick's Secret City. For decades, the specter of homosexuality haunted Washington. The mere suggestion that a person might be gay destroyed reputations, ended careers, and ruined lives. At the height of the Cold War, fear of homosexuality became intertwined with the growing threat of international communism, leading to a purge of gay men and lesbians from the federal government. In the fevered atmosphere of political Washington, the secret "too loathsome to mention" held enormous, terrifying power. Utilizing thousands of pages of declassified documents, interviews with over one hundred people, and material unearthed from presidential libraries and archives around the country, Secret City is a chronicle of American politics like no other. Beginning with the tragic story of Sumner Welles, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's brilliant diplomatic advisor and the man at the center of "the greatest national scandal since the existence of the United States," James Kirchick illuminates how homosexuality shaped each successive presidential administration through the end of the twentieth century. Cultural and political anxiety over gay people sparked a decades-long witch hunt, impacting everything from the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI to the ascent of Joseph McCarthy, the struggle for Black civil rights, and the rise of the conservative movement. Among other revelations, Kirchick tells of the World War II-era gay spymaster who pioneered seduction as a tool of American espionage, the devoted aide whom Lyndon Johnson treated as a son yet abandoned once his homosexuality was discovered, and how allegations of a "homosexual ring" controlling Ronald Reagan nearly derailed his 1980 election victory. Magisterial in scope and intimate in detail, Secret City will forever transform our understanding of American history.
Pocket Muzzie
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure.
StorySculptor
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Dark Burn
π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ
Rosie Bird
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
CuriousCrafter
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Uncle Psycho
π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Goldman
ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Alley Frog
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
DreamDasher
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
JK Friend
Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Mauve Cactus
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. 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 ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Flash
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Pixy Mox
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Light Lion
Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! 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!
Good William
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery. 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!
ManManMan
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Buckshot
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ
Petite Beauty
βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Tea Kettle
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Riff Raff
The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
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