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 With this book they share how they did it, and how you can too: by letting go of outdated expectations of what it means to be a good parent; by accepting that the old rules won't necessarily apply in the future (changes in higher ed and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.
Sleek Zelda
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Whip Chu
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π
Solitaire
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§
Fire Fish
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Blinker
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Black Walnut
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
The Final Judgement
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Scare Stone
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Troubled Chick
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature.
Reno Monarch
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Lucifurious
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
BloodEater
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Gentle Avenger
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
LyRz
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Upper D3ckR
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Trick Baron
π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Venom Charms
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Skull Crusher
βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization!
Diamond Gamer
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
Undergrad Split
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true winner. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. 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