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.
StarStrider
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
VenusLion
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Hex Panther
The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. 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!
DreamDiver
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore.
Manimal
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼
Nacho
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Iron Jesus
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities.
Guillotine
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. 🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Eight Patrol
ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Metal Aphrodite
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Danqqqqq
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
EchoEnigma
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Lava Nibbler
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Doughboy, Esq
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Mule Lock
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
MeeP
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend! Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Athena Star
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
SunVolt
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Joker's Grin
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks.
Clover Rabbit
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
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