Book description
"As a bookseller, I loved Shelf Life for the chance to peer behind the curtain of Diwan, Nadia Wassef 's bookstore--the way that the personal is inextricable from the professional, the way that failure and success are often lovers, the relationship between neighborhoods and books and life. Nadia's story is for every business owner who has ever jumped without a net, and for every reader who has found solace in the aisles of a bookstore." --Emma Straub, author of All Adults Here "Shelf Life is such a unique memoir about career, life, love, friendship, motherhood, and the impossibility of succeeding at all of them at the same time. It is the story of Diwan, the first modern bookstore in Cairo, which was opened by three women, one of whom penned this book. As a bookstore owner I found this fascinating. As a reader I found it fascinating. Blunt, honest, funny." --Jenny Lawson, author of Broken (in the best possible way) The warm and winning story of opening a modern bookstore where there were none, Shelf Life: Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller recounts Nadia Wassef's troubles and triumphs as a founder and manager of Cairo-based Diwan The streets of Cairo make strange music: the echoing calls to prayer, the insults hurled between enraged drivers, the steady crescendo of horns honking, the shouts of street vendors, the television sets and radios blaring on every sidewalk. Nadia Wassef knows this song by heart. In 2002, with her sister, Hind, and their friend Nihal, Wassef founded Diwan, a fiercely independent bookstore. They were three young women with no business degrees, no formal training, and nothing to lose. At the time, nothing like Diwan existed in Egypt. Culture was languishing under government mismanagement, and books were considered a luxury, not a necessity. Over the next decade, these women would contend with censors, chauvinists, critics, and one another in establishing Diwan as Cairo's leading bookstore. Frank, fresh, and very funny, Wassef's memoir tells the story of this journey. Its eclectic cast of characters features Samir, the driver with CEO aspirations; the meditative and mythic Nihal; the cool but cutting Hind; the dictatorial and exacting Nadia, a self-proclaimed bitch to work with; the store's impassioned regulars, including the demanding Dr. Medhat; and the many people, mostly men, who said Diwan would never succeed. Shelf Life is a portrait of a country hurtling toward revolution, a feminist rallying cry, and an unapologetic crash course in running a business under the law of entropy. Above all, it is a celebration of the power of words to bring us home.
Don Stab
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
ThickSKN
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Blink
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Low Voltage
ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Austin Shamrock
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance!
Daffy Girl
πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Sassy Muffin
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. 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!
Austin Shamrock
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
Married Man
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Carrot Joker
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature.
Delicious
With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Hex Panther
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
1st Degree
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Rope
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly.
Mt. Indiana
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Pusher
πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer.
Tornado Maker
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π
Sir Squire
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
Ember Rope
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
JesterZilla
Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
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