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.
Kitchen
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Twitch
This app makes traffic jams a breeze โ time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories.
Screwtape
ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
MrOnsTr
This app has completely transformed my commute โ I look forward to it now! Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ๐๐ฑ This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Kill Switch
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JK Friend
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Hella Fella
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience.
Guncap Slingbad
This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Opulent Gamer
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ๐๐ง ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBookโs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Truth
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is a triumph.
Shay
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ๐งโโ๏ธ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks โ mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Dez North
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser โ a time-saver! I can't get enough of this app โ it's like having a personal library with me. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
SmartieQuest
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Low Voltage
AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. The app is so reliable. Iโve never had any issues with it.
Sofa King
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study.
Dr. Jam Man
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection โ it's a parenting win! ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ๐ฑ Carrying my library in my pocket โ this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ๐๐ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Freak
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Saturnalia
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Seamless integration of audiobooks โ this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Good-lookinโ
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights โ I'm never without a good story. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life.
DanimalDaze
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. Audiobook multitasking made easy โ this app's functionality is top-notch.
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