Book description
One of the top ten books of the year at The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal, Vulture/New York magazineA best book of the year at Los Angeles Times, Time, NPR, The Washington Post, Bookforum, The New Yorker, Vogue, Kirkus The acclaimed, award-winning New Yorker writer Rachel Aviv offers a groundbreaking exploration of mental illness and the mind, and illuminates the startling connections between diagnosis and identity. Strangers to Ourselves poses fundamental questions about how we understand ourselves in periods of crisis and distress. Drawing on deep, original reporting as well as unpublished journals and memoirs, Rachel Aviv writes about people who have come up against the limits of psychiatric explanations for who they are. She follows an Indian woman celebrated as a saint who lives in healing temples in Kerala; an incarcerated mother vying for her children's forgiveness after recovering from psychosis; a man who devotes his life to seeking revenge upon his psychoanalysts; and an affluent young woman who, after a decade of defining herself through her diagnosis, decides to go off her meds because she doesn't know who she is without them. Animated by a profound sense of empathy, Aviv's gripping exploration is refracted through her own account of living in a hospital ward at the age of six and meeting a fellow patient with whom her life runs parallel--until it no longer does. Aviv asks how the stories we tell about mental disorders shape their course in our lives--and our identities, too. Challenging the way we understand and talk about illness, her account is a testament to the porousness and resilience of the mind.
RiddleRanger
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
RiddleRover
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph.
1st Degree
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Oblivion
π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Sugar Hiccup
I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. 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.
NemesisX
πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Princess Dove
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever.
Apex
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
Hoover Spark
Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
DARK HQ
πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Spunky Comet
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Saber-RED
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Woodland Beauty
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Campfire Mama
πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
Acetic Princess
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly.
Mallow Man
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Shadow Chaser
π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
IdeaAlchemy
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
LunaStar
Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Wild Tesla
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
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