Book description
Best-selling author Russell Shorto, praised for his incisive works of narrative history, never thought to write about his own past. He grew up knowing his grandfather and namesake was a small-town mob boss but maintained an unspoken family vow of silence. Then an elderly relative prodded: You're a writer--what are you gonna do about the story? Smalltime is a mob story straight out of central casting--but with a difference, for the small-town mob, which stretched from Schenectady to Fresno, is a mostly unknown world. The location is the brawny postwar factory town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The setting is City Cigar, a storefront next to City Hall, behind which Russ and his brother-in-law, "Little Joe," operate a gambling empire and effectively run the town. Smalltime is a riveting American immigrant story that travels back to Risorgimento Sicily, to the ancient, dusty, hill-town home of Antonino Sciotto, the author's great-grandfather, who leaves his wife and children in grinding poverty for a new life--and wife--in a Pennsylvania mining town. It's a tale of Italian Americans living in squalor and prejudice, and of the rise of Russ, who, like thousands of other young men, created a copy of the American establishment that excluded him. Smalltime draws an intimate portrait of a mobster and his wife, sudden riches, and the toll a lawless life takes on one family.But Smalltime is something more. The author enlists his ailing father--Tony, the mobster's son--as his partner in the search for their troubled patriarch. As secrets are revealed and Tony's health deteriorates, the book become an urgent and intimate exploration of three generations of the American immigrant experience. Moving, wryly funny, and richly detailed, Smalltime is an irresistible memoir by a masterful writer of historical narrative.
MindfulMingle
π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Kabuki
With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Old Orange Eyes
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Winded On Friday
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back!
Freesia
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Skirble
Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
QuantumQuill
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Freaky Ratbuster
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
ZenaCake
πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§ π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Easy Sweep
Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Easy Street
I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Gold Bentley
π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Silver Agent
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
ThoughtTracer
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature.
VisionVortex
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Master Jetson
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Troublemasher
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Reno Monarch
π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Snowflake Pixie
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
Suicide Jockey
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the 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