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.
Venom Charms
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments.
Killer Merlot
The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Uncle Psycho
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits β truly impressive. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
HighBomber
π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Fist Wizard
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
MrOnsTr
Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Chip Queen
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened.
Digital Moonshine
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§ ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
Devil Bread
ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Moxie
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
ThreadTrail
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ 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 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Trash Master
This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
Venom Charms
The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion.
Martini Flower
I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Betty Cricket
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Casanova
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. 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!
Bleach
π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Dangle
The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Kamikaze Granny
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Z-Boy
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
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