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.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Trick Baron
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. 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.
Twinkle
π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
ByteBard
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
InsightInkwell
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Thrasher
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Mustard Centaur
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Badger the Burglar
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ 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.
CirrusFlash
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
GoldTouch
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Rando Tank
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Slug-em-dog
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Tall Honey
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Sapiens
Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved!
Texas Butterfly
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Devil Chick
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
DZE
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Trixie
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer.
General Finish
βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
SunVolt
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits β truly impressive.
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