Book description
From the New York Times bestselling author and MSNBC and podcast host, a powerful wide-angle reckoning with how the assault from attention capitalism on our minds and our hearts has reordered our politics and the very fabric of our society We all feel it-the distraction, the loss of focus, the addictive focus on the wrong things for too long. We bump into the zombies on their phones in the street, and sometimes they're us. We stare in pity at the four people at the table in the restaurant, all on their phones, and then we feel the buzz in our pocket. Something has changed utterly: for most of human history, the boundary between public and private has been clear, at least in theory. Now, as Chris Hayes writes, "With the help of a few tech firms, we basically tore it down in about a decade." Hayes argues that we are in the midst of an epoch-defining transition whose only parallel is what happened to labor in the nineteenth century: attention has become a commodified resource extracted from us, and from which we are increasingly alienated. The Sirens' Call is the big-picture vision we urgently need to offer clarity and guidance. Because there is a breaking point. Sirens are designed to compel us, and now they are going off in our bedrooms and kitchens at all hours of the day and night, doing the bidding of vast empires, the most valuable companies in history, built on harvesting human attention. As Hayes writes, "Now our deepest neurological structures, human evolutionary inheritances, and social impulses are in a habitat designed to prey upon, to cultivate, distort, or destroy that which most fundamentally makes us human." The Sirens' Call is the book that snaps everything into a single holistic framework so that we can wrest back control of our lives, our politics, and our future.Review"Casting a wide net that encompasses philosophers, media theorists, psychologists, and classic literature . . . Hayes unpacks how attention is both a force integral to survival and a resource so sought after that it has become like 'gold in a stream, oil in a rock.' . . . Relatable and amusing . . . A savvy . . . meditation on the modern attention economy." -Publishers Weekly "[Hayes'] facility for lucid synthesis is put to gratifying use in this smart, constructive book . . . He carefully charts how the churning monetization of attention has fundamentally changed news, politics, and leisure time, turning our communications landscape into a kind of 'failed state' where common-sense norms have been routed by 'attentional warlordism.' Amid the virtual maelstrom, Hayes wants to help readers reclaim a measure of mental tranquility . . . An intelligent, forward-looking analysis of our increasing inability to stay focused." -Kirkus Reviews "Attention has always been an undervalued commodity, yet it's the very foundation of a meaningful life. In The Sirens' Call, Chris Hayes uses his keen intellect and knowledge of history to show how the war over our attention is undermining us 24/7. What is the antidote for the urge to constantly grab what he calls 'the little attention box' in our pockets? Read this book to find out!" -Katie Couric, award-winning journalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Going ThereAbout the AuthorChris Hayes is the Emmy Award-winning host of All In with Chris Hayes on MSNBC and the New York Times bestselling author of A Colony in a Nation and Twilight of the Elites. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and children.
Turnip King
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. 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.
Sw00sh
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive.
Miss Mustard
This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Gov Skull
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
SkyGod
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Raggedy Ann
User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
Palomino
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
Red Heroine
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑
SereneScribe
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless.
Sly Bible
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
General Broomdog
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Acid Gosling
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Campfire Mama
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! 🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Miss Mustard
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Chameleon
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. 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!
LoreLoomer
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟
Congo Wire
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
Lilac Lizard
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
Bruh
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Omega Sub
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! 🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
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