Book description
Dear Journal,
June 12, 2024
Just finished The City We Became on audiobook-couldn't stop the subway ride home.
N.K. Jemisin's voice in the narration? Pure New York. Not the glossy postcard version, but the messy, breathing, alive one. She doesn't just tell you NYC has a soul-she makes you feel it in your bones. Like when she describes the subway as "the city's pulse," and the audiobook's sound design drops in the rumble of a train beneath the words. Chills.
The five protectors-Janet, a historian; Ben, a subway worker; a drag queen; a tech bro; a writer-they're not superheroes. They're us. The kind of people you pass on the street, arguing over coffee, late for work. Jemisin writes them with such warmth, you'll find yourself rooting for them like old friends. And the audiobook? The narrator nails their voices-Janet's quiet strength, Ben's easy humor, the drag queen's sharp wit. You don't just hear them; you know them.
The evil lurking beneath the city? It's not some cartoon villain. It's the slow rot of gentrification, of losing history, of forgetting what makes a place yours. Jemisin makes it terrifyingly real. And the audiobook's pacing? Perfect. Short, urgent chapters that leave you desperate to press play again.
I drove home listening, and for the first time, the city felt different. Not just a backdrop, but a character. The traffic noise, the street vendors, even the sirens-they all had a rhythm, like the city was talking back.
This isn't just a book about saving a city. It's about remembering why you love yours. And Jemisin? She doesn't just write it-she makes you hear it.
P.S. I'm listening to the sequel already. Just... don't tell my commute time.
Freaky Ratbuster
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Acetic Princess
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Lightening Trip
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Prometheus
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RealmRanger
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Contrary Mary
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Pepper Legs
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
DragonBlood
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Abyss Tamer
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Firefly Caramel
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Freaky Ratbuster
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
MeeP
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Wildcat Appaloosa
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Red Pepper
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Mum Mary
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Darkside Hooker
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VenusLion
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Jelly Camber
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Whip Chu
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Natural Mess
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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