Book description
"Brave and nuanced...an act of tremendous compassion and a literary triumph." --The New York Times "Immensely emotional and unforgettably haunting." --Wall Street Journal Acclaimed author Jonathan Rosen's haunting investigation of the forces that led his closest childhood friend, Michael Laudor, from the heights of brilliant promise to the forensic psychiatric hospital where he has lived since killing the woman he loved. A story about friendship, love, and the price of self-delusion, The Best Minds explores the ways in which we understand--and fail to understand--mental illness. When the Rosens moved to New Rochelle in 1973, Jonathan Rosen and Michael Laudor became inseparable. Both children of college professors, the boys were best friends and keen competitors, and, when they both got into Yale University, seemed set to join the American meritocratic elite. Michael blazed through college in three years, graduating summa cum laude and landing a top-flight consulting job. But all wasn't as it seemed. One day, Jonathan received the call: Michael had suffered a serious psychotic break and was in the locked ward of a psychiatric hospital. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Michael was still in the hospital when he learned he'd been accepted to Yale Law School, and still battling delusions when he decided to trade his halfway house for the top law school in the country. He not only managed to graduate, but after his extraordinary story was featured in The New York Times, sold a memoir for a large sum. Ron Howard bought film rights, completing the dream for Michael and his tirelessly supportive girlfriend Carrie. But then Michael, in the grip of an unshakeable paranoid fantasy, stabbed Carrie to death with a kitchen knife and became a front-page story of an entirely different sort. The Best Minds is Jonathan Rosen's brilliant and heartbreaking account of an American tragedy. It is a story about the bonds of family, friendship, and community; the promise of intellectual achievement; and the lure of utopian solutions. Tender, funny, and harrowing by turns, at times almost unbearably sad, The Best Minds is an extreme version of a story that is tragically familiar to all too many. In the hands of a writer of Jonathan Rosen's gifts and dedication, its significance will echo widely.
Grave Digger
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Highlander Monk
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Electric Player
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Badger the Burglar
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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!
Digital Equinox
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
StorySculptor
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer.
Plum Moon
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. 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!
Crash Test
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's functionality is a true delight. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Sugar Hiccup
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Elder Pogue
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
Cardinal Rebel
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
Mule Skinner
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Ice
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments.
Sun Lemon
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Red Heroine
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips.
ByteBard
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings.
Whipsaw
The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Digital Goddess
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate. 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!
Wanted Candy
With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Berlin Kamikaze
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
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