Book description
Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction"No one writes like Ruth Ozeki--a triumph." --Matt Haig, New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Library "Inventive, vivid, and propelled by a sense of wonder." --TIME "If you've lost your way with fiction over the last year or two, let The Book of Form and Emptiness light your way home." --David Mitchell, Booker Prize-finalist author of Cloud Atlas A boy who hears the voices of objects all around him; a mother drowning in her possessions; and a Book that might hold the secret to saving them both--the brilliantly inventive new novel from the Booker Prize-finalist Ruth Ozeki One year after the death of his beloved musician father, thirteen-year-old Benny Oh begins to hear voices. The voices belong to the things in his house--a sneaker, a broken Christmas ornament, a piece of wilted lettuce. Although Benny doesn't understand what these things are saying, he can sense their emotional tone; some are pleasant, a gentle hum or coo, but others are snide, angry and full of pain. When his mother, Annabelle, develops a hoarding problem, the voices grow more clamorous. At first, Benny tries to ignore them, but soon the voices follow him outside the house, onto the street and at school, driving him at last to seek refuge in the silence of a large public library, where objects are well-behaved and know to speak in whispers. There, Benny discovers a strange new world. He falls in love with a mesmerizing street artist with a smug pet ferret, who uses the library as her performance space. He meets a homeless philosopher-poet, who encourages him to ask important questions and find his own voice amongst the many. And he meets his very own Book--a talking thing--who narrates Benny's life and teaches him to listen to the things that truly matter. With its blend of sympathetic characters, riveting plot, and vibrant engagement with everything from jazz, to climate change, to our attachment to material possessions, The Book of Form and Emptiness is classic Ruth Ozeki--bold, wise, poignant, playful, humane and heartbreaking.
Lewd Dice
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Fire Feline
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Spooky Yellowjacket
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time.
Microwave Chardonnay
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨
CommandX
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection β it's a parenting win! ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again β it's a must-have. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Combo Saw
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Sass Burst
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Forger
πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
StormCake
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Chlorine
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading.
Handsome
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Danger Menace
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! ππ ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
Baby Brown
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
The Beekeeper
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π
MindfulMingle
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel.
Flotsams54
This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
BuzzMouse
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Prometheus
Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Lady Fantastic
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Neophyte Believer
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
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