Book description
Ocean Vuong returns with a bighearted novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to surviveOne late summer evening in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of a bridge in pelting rain, ready to jump, when he hears someone shout across the river. The voice belongs to Grazina, an elderly widow succumbing to dementia, who convinces him to take another path. Bereft and out of options, he quickly becomes her caretaker. Over the course of the year, the unlikely pair develops a life-altering bond, one built on empathy, spiritual reckoning, and heartbreak, with the power to transform Hai’s relationship to himself, his family, and a community on the brink.Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, The Emperor of Gladness shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Ocean Vuong’s writing—formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tenderness—are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance.
Silent
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Widow Curio
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Flash
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Bazooka Har-de-har
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
WanderWord
The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Super Flick
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
CZR
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Rummy Stickers
Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
PixelPilgrim
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable.
RiddleRover
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
GoldTouch
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Disco Thunder
Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Vicious Street
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. 🏡 Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background – talk about productivity! 🧼📖 💼 Making every minute count – this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. 📱📖 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats!
Dance Cannon
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
SunVolt
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
White Swan
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by!
Esquire
Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Hoboken Nightingale
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. 🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨
Drugstore Cowboy
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Bom Crossed
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
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