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.
Gothic Slacker
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Heavenly Connection
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖
Indestructible Potato
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Snout Pixie
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Undergrad Split
Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Kawaii Red
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
RiddleRanger
🌟 Making every moment count – this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! 📚💫 ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
Papa Smurf
Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
LocKz
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Bazooka Har-de-har
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Brick Mooch
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧
Saint La-Z-Boy
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. 🎉 Making each day a new chapter – this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! 📖🌄
Granola Dove
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable.
LyRz
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go.
Eye Candy Kitten
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Sokol
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖
Corny
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ 🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
Speedwell
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
AlertXis
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. 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!
Dewdrop Doll
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
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