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.
EchoExplorer
Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Twin Blaze
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Cowboy Booter
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears.
NemesisX
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Rusty Vortex
I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Mallow Man
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Freaky Ratbuster
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
Domino
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Houston Rocket
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Iron Jesus
π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Trash
Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
StarStrider
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Kevlar Wanted
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. 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.
Teeder
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Gas Man
I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Metal Aphrodite
π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Whip 2T
Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
Sky
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Sprinkle Lovenuts
Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Swedish Twizz
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. 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.
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