Book description
A bold, hopeful, and thought-provoking account by "one of the world's leading thinkers" (The Observer) of how we built a lonely world, how the pandemic accelerated the problem, and what we must do to come together again "A compelling vision for how we can bridge our many divides at this time of great change and disruption."--Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global "An important new book."--The Economist NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB NOMINEE - NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY WIRED (UK) AND THE DAILY TELEGRAPH Loneliness has become the defining condition of the twenty-first century. It is damaging our health, our wealth, and our happiness and even threatening our democracy. Never has it been more pervasive or more widespread, but never has there been more that we can do about it. Even before a global pandemic introduced us to terms like "social distancing," the fabric of community was unraveling and our personal relationships were under threat. And technology isn't the sole culprit. Equally to blame are the dismantling of civic institutions, the radical reorganization of the workplace, the mass migration to cities, and decades of neoliberal policies that have placed self-interest above the collective good. This is not merely a mental health crisis. Loneliness increases our risk of heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Statistically, it's as bad for our health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. It's also an economic crisis, costing us billions annually. And it's a political crisis, as feelings of marginalization fuel divisiveness and extremism around the world. But it's also a crisis we have the power to solve. Combining a decade of research with firsthand reporting, Noreena Hertz takes us from a "how to read a face" class at an Ivy League university to isolated remote workers in London during lockdown, from "renting a friend" in Manhattan to nursing home residents knitting bonnets for their robot caregivers in Japan. Offering bold solutions ranging from compassionate AI to innovative models for urban living to new ways of reinvigorating our neighborhoods and reconciling our differences, The Lonely Century offers a hopeful and empowering vision for how to heal our fractured communities and restore connection in our lives.
About the Author
Noreena Hertz is a renowned thought leader, academic, and broadcaster who was named by The Observer "one of the world's leading thinkers" and by Vogue "one of the world's most inspiring women." Her previous bestsellers--The Silent Takeover, The Debt Threat, and Eyes Wide Open--have been published in more than twenty countries, and her opinion pieces have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Financial Times. She has hosted her own show on SiriusXM and spoken at TED, the World Economic Forum in Davos, and Google Zeitgeist. Hertz holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD from Cambridge University and is based at University College London, where she holds an honorary professorship.
Sly Silvermoon
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
King Bass
Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ
Pepper Legs
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
AxelRoad
π§ββοΈ Finding zen in the art of listening β this app takes mindfulness to a new level! π§ββοΈπ§ ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
3P-own
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Tokyo Dream
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Demo
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives.
WanderWord
The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Demand Chopper
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Insane SweepKick
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Koi Diva
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Virgo Moon
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings.
Irish Dze
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable.
The Dude
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. 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!
Sokol
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Swedish Pixie
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient.
Red Pepper
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. 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. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
NexusNomad
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ 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.
The Happy Jock
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
Cosmic Presence
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
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