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.
Fiend Oblivion
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch – it's like having a personalized reading. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Spicy Thunder
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze.
Frenzy
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
Rosie Bird
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged.
Shady Lady
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Rook
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide.
Ship Whip
💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 🚗 Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures – audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! 🚗📖 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚
RDTN
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
FrankenGrin
Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Cujo
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Digital Goddess
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Sloth
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Lumberyard
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. 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. 💎📚 Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content.
Flint Cast-Iron
🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
xSTORMx
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
RedFisher
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Voodoo Cyclone
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧
ThickSKN
💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything!
Bruh
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
The Belgian
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
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