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.
Backstreet
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ
Insane SweepKick
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Pocket Muzzie
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
ThickSKN
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Lady Katniss
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Bambi Wings
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. 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. π±π The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
Tokyo Dream
Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Bang Shift
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
ZenaCake
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Granola
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
Flame OUT
π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Dorothy Solitaire
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Homerun Diva
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Darth 44
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
Trixie
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience.
Uncle Buddy
Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Freeway
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. 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§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Chuckles
This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Hitch Frenzy
π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ
Moon Cricket
I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
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