Book description
Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones opens with one of literature's most unforgettable lines: "My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973." Hearing Susie's calm, almost conversational voice narrating her own murder from the afterlife isn't just clever-it's the emotional core of this extraordinary audiobook. The narrator's gentle, observant tone, delivered with quiet precision in the audiobook, transforms grief into something tender and strangely beautiful. You don't just hear Susie's story; you feel her watching her family, her killer, and the ordinary moments slipping away on Earth, all while navigating a heaven that's less celestial and more like a slightly off-kilter version of her old life.
What makes this audiobook so powerful is how seamlessly the narration merges with the novel's unique perspective. Susie isn't just recounting events; she's living them from a vantage point that's both intimate and detached. You hear her frustration when her mother won't let go of the past, her quiet amusement at her sister's teenage angst, and the chilling, mundane reality of her killer trying to erase his crime. The audiobook's pacing is perfect-slow enough to savor the haunting details, urgent enough to keep you gripped. There's no melodrama, just Susie's clear-eyed, often wry observations that make the unbearable feel bearable.
Sebold's genius lies in how she builds hope from the darkest place. The story isn't about the tragedy; it's about how life persists, messy and stubbornly alive, even when you're watching it from the other side. The audiobook amplifies this. You hear the weight of grief in Susie's mother's voice when she's alone, the frantic energy of her brother's teenage rebellion, and the quiet, steady presence of her father. The narrator's voice-steady, thoughtful, never sentimental-becomes the perfect vessel for Susie's enduring spirit. It's a reminder that healing isn't about forgetting; it's about finding joy in the small, ordinary moments that keep us connected.
This isn't a book you just listen to-it's one you feel. The audiobook makes Susie's heaven feel real, a place where the mundane (like watching a neighbor's cat) becomes profound. You'll find yourself pausing the playback, not because it's slow, but because the emotional truth hits too hard. It's a testament to the power of storytelling: turning unspeakable loss into something that feels, ultimately, like a gift. The Lovely Bones isn't just a story about death. It's a celebration of life, beautifully, quietly told. And in audio form, it's impossible to resist.
Elder Pogue
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. 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!
Journeyman
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Tabasco Dracula
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse.
CZR
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
ByteBard
The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Club Nola
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Glyph
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
ForumFusion
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. 💼 Workday blues? Not anymore – this app turns my office hours into reading time! 💻📖 Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
StorySculptor
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy. 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!
Sass Burst
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Pixy Mox
💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. The app is lightweight and doesn’t drain my battery.
Lilac Lizard
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. 💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧
Sun Washer
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Athena Star
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Aqua Diva
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight.
FlyGuardX
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Flotsams54
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
42nd Street
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
StorySculptor
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Vermilion
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. 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!
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