Book description
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's The Black Swan isn't just a book-it's a mental reset, and the audiobook format makes it feel like a conversation with a brilliantly infuriating friend who won't let you ignore how wrong you are. Taleb, a former trader turned philosopher of uncertainty, dismantles our cozy illusions about predicting the future. He argues that history isn't shaped by the predictable, but by rare, high-impact events we call "black swans"-like the rise of Google or 9/11-which we only understand after they happen, weaving tidy stories to pretend we saw them coming.
What makes the audio experience so powerful is Taleb's voice: sharp, irreverent, and brimming with the confidence of someone who's watched markets collapse and survived. You hear him chuckle at our tendency to overestimate knowledge ("We're all amateur historians of the future!"), and his storytelling-like the tale of the turkey that never imagined slaughter day-lands with visceral impact. The second edition's new essay, "On Robustness and Fragility," isn't just an add-on; it's a practical toolkit for thriving in chaos, delivered with his trademark blend of wit and rigor.
Taleb doesn't just explain why we miss black swans-we're wired to focus on the familiar, not the impossible. He exposes how we mistake noise for signal, how we reward those who narrate the past but ignore those who imagine the future. You'll realize your own life is full of these blind spots: the career shift you never planned, the pandemic that upended everything. The audiobook's pacing lets his ideas breathe, turning complex concepts like "narrative fallacy" into something you feel, not just read.
This isn't a textbook. It's a wake-up call disguised as a rant, delivered with the energy of a man who's seen too many "impossible" things happen. You won't just understand black swans-you'll start spotting them in your own world. And Taleb's final point? True wisdom isn't about predicting the future, but building systems that thrive when it surprises you. The audio version makes you feel like you're in the room with him, arguing over coffee, realizing how much you've been wrong all along. It's not just a great book-it's a necessary one.
Sultan of Speed
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Bearded Angler
Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. 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! A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Proper
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Roma Kabuki
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Miss Murder
Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
Barbwire
ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Jelly Camber
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Bad Bond
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Poptart AK47
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Old Orange Eyes
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Fast FLAK
πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
ManMaker
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Sugar Apple
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. 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!
WonderWords
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Stud muffin
Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. 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.
Burn
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
Baby Spell
π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. 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!
Swing Setter
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Boost
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by!
Marshmallow Treat
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ 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!
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