Book description
When you hear Shuggie Bain's voice in your ear, you're not just listening to a story-you're stepping into the damp, sour air of 1980s Glasgow. Douglas Stuart's debut, narrated with devastating tenderness, doesn't just tell of a boy's struggle; it makes you feel the weight of every empty lager can hidden in a handbag, the sharp sting of Agnes's false teeth clicking as she tries to hold her glamour together. This isn't just a novel about addiction or poverty-it's a slow, suffocating ache of love and abandonment, rendered in prose so precise it feels like a knife twisting.
The audiobook's genius lies in how the narrator embodies Shuggie's quiet desperation. You hear the tremor in his voice when he says, "I'm no right," the unspoken fear that everyone else already sees. Agnes, with her beehive hair and pearly-white lies, isn't a villain-she's a ghost haunting her own life, drowning her grief in cheap lager while her children scatter like startled birds. The narrator never flinches, letting the silence after a drunk stumble speak louder than any scream. You can almost taste the stale tea she pours from those hidden mugs, the way it clings to the back of your throat.
Stuart writes like a detective of the soul, uncovering how Thatcher's Glasgow crushed dreams into dust, leaving only the desperate need to be normal. Shuggie's longing isn't just for a house with a front door-it's for a world where his secret doesn't make him a burden. The comparisons to McCourt and Hollinghurst are spot-on, but this feels rawer, more urgent. It's not a story you read; it's one that settles into your bones, echoing long after the final chapter.
What makes this audiobook unforgettable is its refusal to offer easy hope. There's no tidy redemption, only the stubborn, fragile act of loving someone who can't love themselves back. When Shuggie says, "I'm just trying to be good," you hear the heartbreak of a child who's already learned the cost of being seen. The narrator's voice-warm yet weary, carrying the grit of the streets-makes every whispered confession feel like a secret shared in the dark. You don't just hear Agnes's decline; you feel the slow unraveling of a family, thread by thread, until only Shuggie remains, holding the pieces together with nothing but love and a little too much courage.
This isn't just a book about a working-class family. It's a testament to the quiet, unbreakable courage of those who survive the wreckage left behind. And in the hushed, intimate space of an audiobook, it becomes something more: a conversation with the ghosts we carry, and the love that refuses to let them win. You'll carry Shuggie with you long after the last word fades.
Gold Bentley
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ±
Wolf Tribune
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Zod
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Peanut Butter Woman
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
All Natural
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Stickers
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Avenge Paws
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Vicious Street
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Viceswerve
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's functionality is a standout. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Mr. Gadget
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Romance Princess
πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
FireBrang
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Sokol
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Zod
Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Sapiens
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time.
Congo Wire
The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Fire Feline
is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Venom Charms
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Mechani-Man
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort.
Y0dler
π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
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