Book description
From the time she was young, Suleika Jaouad has kept a journal. She's used it to mark life's biggest occasions and to weather its most ferocious storms. Journaling has buoyed her through illness, heartbreak, and the deepest uncertainty. And she is not alone: for so many people, keeping a journal is an essential tool for navigating both the personal peaks and valleys and the collective challenges of modern life. More than ever, we need a space for puzzling through. In The Book of Alchemy, Suleika explores the art of journaling and shares everything she's learned about how this life-altering practice can help us tap into that mystical trait that exists in every human: creativity. She has gathered wisdom from one hundred writers, artists, and thinkers in the form of essays and writing prompts. Their insights invite us to inhabit a more inspired life. A companion through challenging times, The Book of Alchemy is broken into themes ranging from new beginnings to love, loss, and rebuilding. Whether you're a lifelong journaler or new to the practice, this book gives you the tools, direction, and encouragement to engage with discomfort, ask questions, peel back the layers, dream daringly, uncover your truest self--and in doing so, to learn to hold the unbearably brutal and astonishingly beautiful facts of life in the same palm. Also includes essays from: Martha Beck - Alain de Botton - Susan Cheever - Lena Dunham - Melissa Febos - Liana Finck - John Green - Marie Howe - Pico Iyer - Oliver Jeffers - Quintin Jones - Michael Koryta - Hanif Kureishi - Kiese Laymon - Cleyvis Natera - Ann Patchett - Esther Perel - Adrienne Raphel - Maggie Rogers - Jenny Rosenstrach - Sharon Salzberg - Dani Shapiro - Mavis Staples - Linda Sue Park - Nafissa Thompson-Spires - Jia Tolentino - Lindy West - Lidia Yuknavitch - And many othersReview"The Book of Alchemy proves on every page that a creative response can be found in every moment of life--regardless of what is happening in the world. It also demonstrates that we can be more creative together than we could ever be alone. This book is not only beautiful but exceedingly helpful. I recommend it to every dreamer, with the highest respect and joy." --Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love "Beyond her brilliance as a writer, Suleika Jaouad's greatest offering to the world is her brilliance of generosity, her curiosity, her seeking heart and mind. The Book of Alchemy is an extension and expansion of these gifts, carefully curated and thoughtfully presented, it doesn't offer just one single answer, or one north star, but an entire galaxy. A path, with many paths springing forth from it, for anyone who wants to write, or chase an idea, or descend into their work with a newfound exuberance. This book is a gift." --Hanif Abdurraqib, author of There's Always This Year "Brilliant. Gentle. Encouraging. If you want to make your life richer, follow her lead. Suleika Jaouad is showing us how to find wisdom in every transition, graduation, and U-turn. The perfect mix of incandescent wisdom and kick-in-the-pants motivation to start your own creative journey." --Kate Bowler, author of Everything Happens for a ReasonSynopsisA guide to the art of journaling--and a meditation on the central questions of life--by the bestselling author of Between Two Kingdoms, with contributions from Hanif Abdurraqib, Jon Batiste, Salman Rushdie, Gloria Steinem, George Saunders, and many more "The Book of Alchemy proves on every page that a creative response can be found in every moment of life--regardless of what is happening in the world."--Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love From the time she was young, Suleika Jaouad has kept a journal. She's used it to mark life's biggest occasions and to weather its most ferocious storms. Journaling has buoyed her through illness, heartbreak, and the deepest uncertainty. And she is not alone: for so many people, keeping a journal is an essential tool for navigating both the personal peaks and valleys and the collective challenges of modern life. More than ever, we need a space for puzzling through. In The Book of Alchemy, Suleika explores the art of journaling and shares everything she's learned about how this life-altering practice can help us tap into that mystical trait that exists in every human: creativity. She has gathered wisdom from one hundred writers, artists, and thinkers in the form of essays and writing prompts. Their insights invite us to inhabit a more inspired life. A companion through challenging times, The Book of Alchemy is broken into themes ranging from new beginnings to love, loss, and rebuilding. Whether you're a lifelong journaler or new to the practice, this book gives you the tools, direction, and encouragement to engage with discomfort, ask questions, peel back the layers, dream daringly, uncover your truest self--and in doing so, to learn to hold the unbearably brutal and astonishingly beautiful facts of life in the same palm. Also includes essays from: Martha Beck - Nadia Bolz-Weber - Alain de Botton - Susan Cheever - Lena Dunham - Melissa Febos - Liana Finck - John Green - Marie Howe - Pico Iyer - Oliver Jeffers - Quintin Jones - Michael Koryta - Hanif Kureishi - Kiese Laymon - Cleyvis Natera - Ann Patchett - Esther Perel - Adrienne Raphel - Jenny Rosenstrach - Sarah Ruhl - Sharon Salzberg - Dani Shapiro - Mavis Staples - Linda Sue Park - Nafissa Thompson-Spires - Jia Tolentino - Lindy West - Lidia Yuknavitch - And many othersAbout the AuthorSuleika Jaouad is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Between Two Kingdoms, which has been translated into more than twenty languages. She wrote the Emmy Award-winning New York Times column and video series "Life, Interrupted," and her essays and feature stories have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, The Guardian, and Vogue, among others. She is also the subject, along with husband Jon Batiste, of the Oscar-nominated documentary American Symphony--a portrait of two artists during a year of extreme highs and lows. A visual artist, her large-scale watercolors are the focus of several upcoming exhibitions. She is also the creator of the Isolation Journals, a weekly newsletter and global community that harnesses creativity as a tool to navigate life's interruptions.
Guillotine
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QuestWeaver
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Dark Horse
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Sly Silvermoon
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
Slacker Cat
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Fire Queen
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Criss Cross
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Instant Star
Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Lady Peach
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 Audiobook excellence – this app's design enhances my reading experience. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Bat Magenta
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Undergrad
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Snapple Whistler
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! 💼 Workday blues? Not anymore – this app turns my office hours into reading time! 💻📖 Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Lounge Master
🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
Mr. Wholesome
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧 The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Orange Teflon
🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
SereneScribe
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface.
Roller Turtle
I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Pocket Muzzie
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Undergrad
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Freesia
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats – this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. 🎉🔊
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