Book description
Put on your headphones and let Ben Shattuck's The History of Sound do the walking for you. This isn't just a book you read-it's a soundtrack to time slipping through your fingers, perfectly realized for audio. Forget dusty archives; Shattuck's stories unfold like secrets whispered in a dimly lit bar, the crackle of old wax cylinders practically in your ears.
The genius? Twelve paired stories, each a ghost haunting its predecessor. You'll hear a piano in a smoky Maine bar in 1917, then decades later, a woman finds those very recordings while cleaning her new house. The past isn't just there-it's been waiting to call you back, like an ex who never stopped texting. Shattuck doesn't just tell you history echoes; he makes you feel its rhythm in your bones, whether it's Nantucket fishermen in the 1700s or New Hampshire couples arguing under modern trees.
What's brilliant for audio? The soundscapes. You'll hear the thump of a piano key, the rustle of leaves as characters wander woods, the static of a forgotten recording. It's not just words-it's a full sensory time machine. And Shattuck's humor? Wickedly sharp. He skewers how we think we know history ("We've all got a relative who was basically a minor historical footnote and a great story about a hat") while making you ache for the characters' quiet heartbreaks.
Don't expect tidy endings. This is love and loss refracted through generations, like light through a prism you didn't know you had. A murder mystery? Maybe. A family secret? Absolutely. But the real mystery is how history keeps showing up, loud and insistent, long after we've moved on. You'll find yourself pausing the audiobook just to listen to the silence afterward-because Shattuck's made you realize: the past isn't behind us. It's been waiting to be heard.
This isn't just a New England love letter. It's a reminder that home isn't a place-it's the sound of your own history finally catching up to you. And honestly? After a few hours with this audiobook, you'll start hearing it too. In the fridge hum, the rain on the roof, even the crackle of your own memories. Now that's a sound worth listening to.
Danqqqqq
π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
Liquid Death
The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Subzero Taffy
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§
The China Wall
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Murder Cherry
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
ThoughtTrail
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Landfill Max
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
Manimal
No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
Bat Magenta
π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
Club Nola
is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Most Wanted
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Mad Viral
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Demo
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
VisionVoyager
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Stone Boomstick
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Tabasco Dracula
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Fresh Peper
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Soiled Dove
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ«
Fuzzy Claws
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π
Sherm
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
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