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.
Good William
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions.
High Kingdom Warrior
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Cabbie
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly.
Pocket Mazda
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight.
TrinitySoul
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable.
Shimmy Shammy
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Coma Stalk
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth.
Snow Pharaoh
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Houston Rocket
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. No need to convert files anymore – ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Apex
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful!
Guillotine Trigger
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Snow Pharaoh
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Subzero Taffy
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit.
Geneva Cuffs
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Prez Dog
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖
Kickstart
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖
Mental
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Pink Nightmare
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Demand Chopper
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable.
PixelPilgrim
CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
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