Book description
A riotous romp through five millennia of Jewish life
Rob Kutner's The Jews: 5,000 Years and Counting is the kind of book that makes you laugh so hard you forget you're learning history. From the first scribbles on a cave wall to the latest episode of Seinfeld, Kutner stitches together myth, miracle, and mishap with a humorist's flair that feels both irreverent and affectionate.
What sets this volume apart is its fearless playfulness. Imagine Moses' secret diary, or a group therapy session among the Patriarchs and Matriarchs-each chapter turns a familiar story into a comedy sketch while still delivering solid context. The book is peppered with "Jew-facts," "Jew-figures," and even a collection of Rabbi Action Cards that feel like a playful side-quest for readers who enjoy interactive learning.
Kutner's style is conversational, almost like a stand-up routine delivered in book form. He never shies away from controversial moments-think the awkward 1492 text chain or the dramatic "I'm dumping you" message from Spain-yet he frames them with a wink that keeps the tone light. Even if you're not deeply versed in Jewish lore, you'll find yourself nodding along to the jokes and then wanting to dig deeper.
The book's structure makes it an ideal companion for anyone curious about how the Jewish people have navigated centuries of diaspora, persecution, and cultural renaissance. It reads like a guidebook for modern Jews (and non-Jews) alike, offering both trivia and insight in equal measure. And if you're looking for a gift that will spark conversation-perhaps even a few good-natured kvetches-this is it.
In short, Kutner turns history into an accessible comedy special. You come away laughing, but you also leave with a fresh appreciation for the resilience and richness of Jewish heritage. A must-read for anyone who wants to know how the Jews got here-and where they're going next.
FireBerry
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. 💼 Merging work and pleasure – audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! 💻🎧 Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Bitmap
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊
Winded On Friday
🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨 ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Energy
The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
PixelPilgrim
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. 🏃♀️📚 Running with purpose – audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. 🏃♀️🎧 Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze!
Elektrik
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
ThreadTrail
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
Skull Crusher
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Divine Quasar
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏 This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
ThoughtTracer
The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Bowler
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
ByteBard
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Lucky Brandy
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. 🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Rosie Bird
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments.
CodeExia
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. 🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧
Storm Master
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
New York Winder
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Dewdrop Doll
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Icy Avenger
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. 🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Manly
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
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