Book description
An unforgettable journey through Central Asia, one of the most mysterious and history-laden regions of the world. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan became free of the Soviet Union in 1991. But though they are new to modern statehood, this is a region rich in ancient history, culture, and landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. Traveling alone, Erika Fatland is a true adventurer in every sense. In Sovietistan, she takes the reader on a compassionate and insightful journey to explore how their Soviet heritage has influenced these countries, with governments experimenting with both democracy and dictatorships. In Kyrgyzstani villages, she meets victims of the tradition of bride snatching; she visits the huge and desolate Polygon in Kazakhstan where the Soviet Union tested explosions of nuclear bombs; she meets shrimp gatherers on the banks of the dried out Aral Sea; she witnesses the fall of a dictator. She travels incognito through Turkmenistan, a country that is closed to journalists. She meets exhausted human rights activists in Kazakhstan, survivors from the massacre in Osh in 2010, and German Mennonites that found paradise on the Kyrgyzstani plains 200 years ago. We learn how ancient customs clash with gas production and witness the underlying conflicts between ethnic Russians and the majority in a country that is slowly building its future in nationalist colors. Once the frontier of the Soviet Union, life follows another pace of time. Amidst the treasures of Samarkand and the brutalist Soviet architecture, Sovietistan is a rare and unforgettable adventure.
QuestQuill
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
Centurion Sherman
Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
WordWanderer
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. 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. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks.
CloudFrenzy
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
LunaStar
ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
All Natural
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Zero Corn
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Easy Sweep
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Blink
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences.
Sienna Princess
ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Danger Menace
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable.
Third Moon
ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Jelly Momentum
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met.
ThickSKN
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Kitchen
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Darth 44
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Miss Rum Punch
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
RiddleRover
This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. 🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳 Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Homerun Diva
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app!
RiddleRover
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. 🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening 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