Book description
In Stories Are Weapons, best-selling author Annalee Newitz traces the way disinformation, propaganda, and violent threats--the essential tool kit for psychological warfare--have evolved from military weapons deployed against foreign adversaries into tools in domestic culture wars. Newitz delves into America's deep-rooted history with psychological operations, beginning with Benjamin Franklin's Revolutionary War-era fake newspaper and nineteenth-century wars on Indigenous nations, and reaching its apotheosis with the Cold War and twenty-first-century influence campaigns online. America's secret weapon has long been coercive storytelling. And there's a reason for that: operatives who shaped modern psychological warfare drew on their experiences as science fiction writers and in the advertising industry.Now, through a weapons-transfer program long unacknowledged, psyops have found their way into the hands of culture warriors, transforming democratic debates into toxic wars over American identity. Newitz zeroes in on conflicts over race and intelligence, school board fights over LGBT students, and campaigns against feminist viewpoints, revealing how, in each case, specific groups of Americans are singled out and treated as enemies of the state. Crucially, Newitz delivers a powerful counternarrative, speaking with the researchers and activists who are outlining a pathway to achieving psychological disarmament and cultural peace.Incisive and essential, Stories are Weapons reveals how our minds have been turned into blood-soaked battlegrounds--and how we can put down our weapons to build something better.
About the Author
Annalee Newitz is a journalist and author of science fiction and nonfiction, including the national best-seller Four Lost Cities. They write for the New York Times and New Scientist and co-host the Hugo Award-winning podcast Our Opinions Are Correct. They live in San Francisco.
Wooden Man
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
ManBreaker
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
CloudFrenzy
Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. It’s so easy to navigate. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
NexusNinja
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Uluru Walker
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
DeathDancer
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Mud Pie Man
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Taffy Duchess
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues!
Black Firefly
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars! This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
BlackExcalibur
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. 🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠
Apple Nola
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable.
Wolf Tribune
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧
Cereal Killer
From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊 The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Betty Cricket
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Carrot Joker
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
NexusNinja
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
Shivers
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure.
Storm Master
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! 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.
Spoiler Betty
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
White Dragon
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
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