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.
Cool Law Topping
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨
Digital Goddess
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Electric Saturn
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Night Magnet
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
ThermalMode
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ
Crash Enforcer
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Wings
Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§ Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Jack Cassidy
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Elder Pogue
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Dream Killer
ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
DARK HQ
ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring!
Most Wanted
ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Killer Grenade
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Delirium
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Lady In Red
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
D-Hog-Day
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Sun Leo
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in!
Mad Kid
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ
Lady Killer
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Cosmo
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly.
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