Book description
Susan Orlean's bestseller and New York Times Notable Book is "a sheer delight...as rich in insight and as varied as the treasures contained on the shelves in any local library" (USA TODAY)--a dazzling love letter to a beloved institution and an investigation into one of its greatest mysteries. "Everybody who loves books should check out The Library Book" (The Washington Post). On the morning of April 28, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. The fire was disastrous: it reached two thousand degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library--and if so, who? Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a "delightful...reflection on the past, present, and future of libraries in America" (New York magazine) that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before. In the "exquisitely written, consistently entertaining" (The New York Times) The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries; brings each department of the library to vivid life; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago. "A book lover's dream...an ambitiously researched, elegantly written book that serves as a portal into a place of history, drama, culture, and stories" (Star Tribune, Minneapolis), Susan Orlean's thrilling journey through the stacks reveals how these beloved institutions provide much more than just books--and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country.
Sly Silvermoon
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. ππ 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.
Dance Cannon
πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Alias Stick
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
Con Mammoth
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Trouble Mittens
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
ThreadTraveler
π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Flame OUT
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features.
Bad Bunny
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Rummy Stickers
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Find It Girl
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Onion King
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π
CoB@lt
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Mirage
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Easy Street
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Bad Princess
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π
Stud muffin
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
360
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight.
Desert Haze
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Frosty Sunshine
Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Stud
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
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