Book description
Michel Faber's The Book of Strange New Things is the kind of audiobook that makes you glad you have functioning ears. It's a sprawling, ambitious sci-fi tear-jerker that somehow balances alien evangelism with earthly heartbreak-no small feat, especially when read aloud. The story follows Peter, a man of faith answering the call to preach to aliens on a distant planet, which sounds like either a very niche missionary trip or the setup to a cosmic sitcom. But Faber isn't here for laughs-at least not the easy ones.
What unfolds is part spiritual odyssey, part marital unraveling, and 100% emotionally exhausting in the best way. As Peter bonds with alien converts who are oddly charmed by his Bible stories (to them, it's basically alien folklore), his wife Bea back home faces increasingly apocalyptic conditions on Earth. Her emails grow more frantic, more desperate, and if you thought long-distance relationships were tough, try intergalactic ones with crumbling infrastructure and no Wi-Fi.
Faber's writing is lush but never showy, and the audiobook format really lets that prose shine-assuming the narrator delivers, of course. The emotional weight of the story hinges on the contrast between Peter's otherworldly naivety and Bea's very grounded despair. It's a bit like Left Behind meets Solaris, with a side of marital therapy gone wrong.
This isn't a quick listen-it's dense, demanding, and deeply moving. But for those who enjoy their fiction with a side of existential dread and a sprinkle of alien theology, it's a journey worth taking. Just don't start it right before bed unless you enjoy sobbing into your pillow.
Zero Corn
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Tabasco Dracula
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Mr. Gadget
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High-Fructose
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HedgeH0g2
This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Miss Nova
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LunaStar
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Chicago Blackout
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VileHero
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Cool Whip
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Lime
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Doll Champagne
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Lady Petal
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Jack Cassidy
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Disco Thunder
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Twisty Dew
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FrankenGrin
π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Coma Stalk
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Chicago Blackout
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Firedog
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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