Book description
The American Experiment, narrated by a stellar cast of voices, turns the page on David Rubenstein's trilogy with an exuberant, almost celebratory tone that feels both intimate and epic. From the opening notes, you can hear why this is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller: each interview feels like a live conversation rather than a lecture, as if the listeners are sitting in the same room as Ken Burns, Madeleine Albright, or Wynton Marsalis.
What makes the audiobook stand out is how Rubenstein weaves together history, culture, and personal anecdotes. Jill Lepore's reflection on America's promise is punctuated by the emotional resonance of Billie Jean King's triumphs in sports, while Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s discussion of Reconstruction gains an unexpected musicality when paired with Marsalis' own stories about jazz as a form of resistance. The pacing never falters; even long stretches of historical exposition are broken up by witty remarks from hosts like Walter Isaacson and John Meacham, keeping the listener engaged.
The sound quality is top-notch: each guest's voice is recorded cleanly, with subtle ambient cues that give you a sense of place-think the echo of a courtroom in Elaine Weiss' suffrage segment or the bustling energy of a New York newsroom during Wynton Marsalis' music interview. The narrator's tone is warm and conversational, making complex topics feel accessible without dumbing them down.
Rubenstein's choice to bring together Pulitzer Prize winners, diplomats, musicians, and athletes demonstrates his belief that America's story cannot be told by one discipline alone. This mosaic of perspectives turns the audiobook into a living document-each chapter feels like a snapshot of the nation at a different moment in time, yet all are connected by an underlying theme: innovation and resilience.
If you're looking for more than just a historical overview, The American Experiment offers depth without overwhelming detail. It's perfect for commuters who want to absorb history in digestible chunks or anyone curious about how our past shapes the future of democracy, culture, and ideas. In short, this audiobook is a spirited celebration of America that invites listeners to reflect on what has been achieved-and what can still be imagined.
Hidden Tree
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Earl of Arms
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
Terror Master
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Kamikaze Grandma
The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Glyph
I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Lime
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§
NeoGermal
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again β it's a must-have. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
LocKz
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Slow Trot
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Prof. Smirk
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality.
Texas Butterfly
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Slug-em-dog
πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ
Mother Hen
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Sky
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. 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 Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Crash Enforcer
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. 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!
Truth
ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Eerie
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Pockets
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Kevlar Wanted
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Scarlet Mary
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and 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