Book description
One of California's leading writers, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in fiction, presents her first nonfiction volume on writing since 2005's best-selling Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel.Long acclaimed as one of America's preeminent novelists, Jane Smiley is also an unparalleled observer of the craft of writing. In The Questions That Matter Most this Pulitzer Prize-winning writer offers steady and penetrating essays on some of the aesthetic and cultural issues that mark any serious engagement with reading and writing. Beginning with a personal introduction tracing Smiley's migration from Iowa to California, the author reflects on her findings in the varied literature of the Golden State, whose writers have for decades litigated the West's contested legacies of racism, class conflict, and sexual politics through their pens.As she considers the ambiguity of character and the weight of history, her essays provide new entry points into literature, and we lucky readers can see how Smiley draws inspiration from across the literary spectrum to invigorate her own writing. With enthusiasm and meticulous attention, Smiley dives beneath surface-level interpretations to examine the works of Marguerite de Navarre, Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Willa Cather, Franz Kafka, Halldór Laxness, and Jessica Mitford. Throughout, Smiley seeks to think harder and, in her words, with "more clarity and nuance" about the questions that matter most.
Sw00sh
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Bambi Wings
The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Sweetness
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Thrasher
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app.
Good-lookin’
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Waylay Dave
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
Midnight Rambler
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Fresh Peper
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. 🏝️ Basking in the sun with an audiobook – relaxation meets storytelling paradise! ☀️📖
Breadmaker
Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖 The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Clang Glyph
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Morbid Sugar
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
VenusXX
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions.
West Warrior
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱 Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph.
DriftDetector
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
True Sweetness
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Sneaky Lady
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Kawaii Red
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Moon Radar
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Prometheus
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧
Moon Laser
ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
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