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.
Bambi Wings
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Digital Equinox
🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧
Goldman
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Valley Guardian
🎉📚 Rekindling my passion for books – this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! 🔥📖 Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Dez Bonbon
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
The Howling Swede
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. 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!
Crash Enforcer
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Lady Peach
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition.
Breezy Mustang
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
CuriousCoder
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive.
Old Man Winter
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Trash Sling
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections.
Dangle
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. 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!
Storm Master
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
ThoughtTrailblazer
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content.
Dez North
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day.
Fadey
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
RealmRanger
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library.
Knight Light
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Amphibi-Dangerous
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
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