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, HalldΓ³r 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.
SubWoof330
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference.
Uncle Buddy
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. 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!
21st Street
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
Skylark
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
VisionVortex
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ
Toy Peep
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Whistler
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ
JigKraken
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Slow Trot
ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Amphibi-Dangerous
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Star Sword
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
MindfulMingle
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Candy Butcher
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Natural Mess
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Roadspike
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Darkside Isis
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Demo Zero
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Moon Laser
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Lunar Treat
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Blue Despair
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. 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. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
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