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.
Whipsaw
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
DreamWeaver
This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Old Regret
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
Petite Flurry
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Bridge Whip
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Treasure Devil
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Oblivion
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
The Happy Jock
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable.
Sexy
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π
Metal Lady
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience.
Darling Peacock
Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
ThreadTraveler
Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Rink Ruler
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
M8deUp
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Tweety Bun Bun
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Easy Sweep
Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
LocKz
Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Gumby Train
Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Emerald Vine
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
VileHero
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
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