Book description
Longlisted for the Porchlight Business Book Awards 2022 A close look at how big money and high stakes have transformed youth sports, turning once healthy, fun activities for kids into all-consuming endeavors--putting stress on children and families alike Some 75% of American families want their kids to play sports. Athletics are training grounds for character, friendship, and connection; at their best, sports insulate kids from hardship and prepare them for adult life. But youth sports have changed so dramatically over the last 25 years that they no longer deliver the healthy outcomes everyone wants. Instead, unbeknownst to most parents, kids who play competitive organized sports are more likely to burn out or suffer from overuse injuries than to develop their characters or build healthy habits. What happened to kids' sports? And how can we make them fun again? In Take Back the Game, coach and journalist Linda Flanagan reveals how the youth sports industry capitalizes on parents' worry about their kids' futures, selling the idea that more competitive play is essential in the feeding frenzy over access to colleges and universities. Drawing on her experience as a coach and a parent, along with research and expert analysis, Flanagan delves into a national obsession that has: Compelled kids to specialize year-round in one sport. Increased the risk of both physical injury and mental health problems.Encouraged egregious behavior by coaches and parents. Reduced access to sports for low-income families. A provocative and timely entrant into a conversation thousands of parents are having on the sidelines, Take Back the Game uncovers how youth sports became a serious business, the consequences of raising the stakes for kids and parents alike--and the changes we need now.
About the Author
LINDA FLANAGAN is a freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross-country and track coach. A graduate of Lehigh University, Flanagan holds master's degrees from Oxford University and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and was an analyst for the National Security Program at Harvard University. She is a founding board member of the New York City chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance and a 2020-21 advisory group member for the Aspen Institute's Reimagining School Sports initiative, and her writing on sports has appeared in The Atlantic, Runner's World, and on NPR's education site MindShift, where she is a regular contributor. A mother of three and a lifelong athlete, Flanagan lives in New Jersey.
Electric Saturn
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
Preach Man
Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Tacklebox
ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§
Marigold Loot
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
Uncle Psycho
ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
Barbera Shift
π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Mafia Rapunzel
πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Voodoo Queen
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Heaven Sent
Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Twinkle Cutlass
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Skull Crusher
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Fist Wizard
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Devine Melon
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ«
New York Winder
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
Stud muffin
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Sienna Princess
The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Prof. Screw
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app.
General Finish
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Titanium Ladybug
Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Energy
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
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