Book description
Since the series' inception in 1915, the annual volumes of The Best American Short Stories have launched literary careers, showcased the most compelling stories of each year, and confirmed for all time the significance of the short story in our national literature. Now THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES OF THE CENTURY brings together the best of the best - fifty-five extraordinary stories that represent a century's worth of unsurpassed accomplishments in this quintessentially American literary genre. Here are the stories that have endured the test of time: masterworks by such writers as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Willa Cather, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Saroyan, Flannery O'Connor, John Cheever, Eudora Welty, Philip Roth, Joyce Carol Oates, Raymond Carver, Cynthia Ozick, and scores of others. These are the writers who have shaped and defined the landscape of the American short story, who have unflinchingly explored all aspects of the human condition, and whose works will continue to speak to us as we enter the next century. Their artistry is represented splendidly in these pages. THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES series has also always been known for making literary discoveries, and discovery proved to be an essential part of selecting the stories for this volume too. Collections from years past yielded a rich harvest of surprises, stories that may have been forgotten but still retain their relevance and luster. The result is a volume that not only gathers some of the most significant stories of our century between two covers but resurrects a handful of lost literary gems as well. Of all the great writers whose work has appeared in the series, only John Updike's contributions have spanned five consecutive decades, from his first appearance, in 1959. Updike worked with coeditor Katrina Kenison to choose stories from each decade that meet his own high standards of literary quality.
Fire Queen
The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Feral Cookie
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner.
Skull Crusher
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Fire Queen
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖 This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Gentle Avenger
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖 Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Doughboy, Esq
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend! An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with it—the narration was fine, and the story was okay—but nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
WanderWord
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Daffy Girl
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! 📱🔊 ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Hog Butcher
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Miss Rum Punch
This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Twinkle Cocoa
ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Manly
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats – this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. 🎉🔊
HighBomber
The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
BoomerBox
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Devine Melon
This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
NoiseCake
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
THRESHmSTR
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Easy Street
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
LyRz
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats!
The Shield Toronto
I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
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