Book description
Part memoir, part practical parenting guide, best-selling author Gabrielle Blair and her husband, PhD educator Ben Blair--parents to six kids ages 14-27--offer up unexpected and insightful lessons that encourage overwhelmed parents to let go of tired expectations of what it means to be a "good parent," and instead lean into adventure and embrace uncertainty (for their sake, and their kids'). Do you find parenting stressful or overwhelming? Do you worry about your child's education in an unpredictable future? Is it hard to get your kid to cooperate? You're not alone. Gabrielle and Ben Blair have been raising kids for over two decades. Through the years, they've charted their own unconventional path: working from home before remote work was a thing; uprooting their kids four, five, six times - including a move to France where they enrolled in local schools without knowing the language. It's been a unique parenting journey characterized by experimentation, trial and error, decisions prompted by financial or psychological necessity, varying levels of anxiety and tension, despair, and hope. This unique path turned out to be fertile soil for growing independent, resilient, and creative kids, and a family that is genuinely close and truly enjoys each other's company. With this book they share how they did it, and how you can too: by letting go of outdated expectations of what it means to be a good parent; by accepting that the old rules won't necessarily apply in the future (changes in higher ed and career-building are evolving at a rapid pace); and by instead focusing on making your time with your kids one of connection, adventure, shared projects, creativity, and joy. It's about creating a family life that embraces change and uncertainty instead of running from it.
About the Author
Ben Blair holds a PhD in Philosophy and Education from Columbia University. He is a Cofounder and President of Newlane University. Started in 2017, Newlane is an online university with a mission to make quality liberal arts higher education accessible to anyone on earth by breaking down barriers of cost, schedule, and geography. Newlane students and professors are based in 40+ different countries. Newlane offers affordable, accredited Bachelor's degrees. Gabrielle Blair is the founder of DesignMom.com. Started in 2006, it has been named a Parenting Website of the Year by Time magazine, and praised as a top parenting blog by The Wall Street Journal, Parents, and Better Homes and Gardens. Gabrielle is also a founder of Alt Summit, the blockbuster annual conference for creatives and creative entrepreneurs who work online, currently in its sixteenth year. As a thought leader for more than eighteen years, Gabrielle's writing is quoted and shared across the globe daily. Gabrielle's most recent book, Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think About Abortion, an instant New York Times bestseller, was published in 2022 by Workman, and is available in twelve international editions. Ben and Gabrielle have six children: Ralph, Maude, Olive, Oscar, Betty, and Flora June. After six years in Oakland, California, they now live in Normandy, France, where they are renovating a home built in the 1400s. You can follow along at @DesignMom on Instagram.
Trash
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Thrasher
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Mrs. Voltage
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§
Lightweight
With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
Saturnalia
π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Leaf Assassin
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Digital Equinox
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π
Clang Glyph
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Doz Killer
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Rummy Stickers
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Snow Hound
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Flotsams54
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
MythMaker
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Aqua Monsoon
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips.
DriftDetector
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Redneck Giorgio
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Polar Bee
π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Sun Leo
π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Dez Bonbon
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
InsightInkwell
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
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