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.
Thunder Tank
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
Lord Theus
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Spitfire
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Goldman
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
2nd Hand Joe
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
London Fox
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Uncle Buddy
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
PixelPioneer
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
East Army
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
Blister
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
Lady Fantastic
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light.
Armed Hawk
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. 🚗 Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! 🚗📚 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Lincoln Rider
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
GiddeeUP
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend! 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.
Demo Zero
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Babe
This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Dark Burn
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
Ozzie Treat
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch.
TrinitySoul
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Bad Beret
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
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