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.
Spunky Chick
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
Lady Katniss
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Jade Fox
📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧
Minty Devil
As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
RealmRanger
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
IceDog
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Sienna Princess
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. 🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Nutmeg
Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Stud
This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality.
Force
ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
RiddleRanger
🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. 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!
Gumby Train
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Lincoln Rider
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. 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!
Referee
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
xSTORMx
🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Dance Bloom
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat. 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.
Star Killer
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Mosquit-No
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Upper D3ckR
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. The app's performance is remarkable – it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Widow Curio
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
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