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 With this book they share how they did it, and how you can too: by letting go of outdated expectations of what it means to be a good parent; by accepting that the old rules won't necessarily apply in the future (changes in higher ed and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.
Duchess
Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ๐๐ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Disco Potato
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. ๐ This app is a game-changer โ its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ๐๐ง Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ๐๐ง ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
Stallion Patton
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching.
The Final Judgement
Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ๐๐ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
ThoughtTrailblazer
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys โ thank you, app! With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes.
Hightower
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itโs so easy to navigate.
Danqqqqq
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Toe
I can't imagine my life without this app โ it's my constant source of books. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive โ smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Lady Q
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Dancing Madman
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Domino
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. ๐ This app is a testament to thoughtful design โ its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. ๐โจ
Switch
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Efficiency and ease combined โ this app is a must-have for book lovers.
Jester
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. ListenBookโs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
FearLeSS
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! I've become addicted to this app โ in the best possible way! This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
General Finish
This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. ๐ง Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ๐๐ฑ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Gumby Train
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Frosty Squid
This app is not just about convenience โ it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting โ pure magic! ๐ Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores โ pure joy! ๐๐ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time.
Blinker
Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. The app is worth every penny. Itโs packed with features and works flawlessly. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Eye Devil
I'm hooked on this app โ it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Pink C
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly โ it's a game-changer. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am.
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