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.
Easy Street
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Free Ham
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Airport Hobo
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
RiddleRover
π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
MuseMaster
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Golden Cougar
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Palomino Cake
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened.
Avenge Paws
Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Ex0tic
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Accidental Genius
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation.
Firefly
Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Racy Babe
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Street Squirrel
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Guillotine Trigger
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Sly Silvermoon
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. 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.
CosPlatoon
No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
VPR
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§
Prof. Screw
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Highway
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Freeway
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
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