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.
Rocky Highway
Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. 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!
Jigsaw
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 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! 📚🎧 With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Iron Butterfly
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
Necessary Momentum
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. 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!
Wheels
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
High Heel Goddess
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Digital Equinox
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Mirage
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
SmartieQuest
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Pistol Hydro
The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Lady Q
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Redneck Giorgio
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! 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!
DreamDasher
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level.
Rope
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
InsightfulInk
Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures.
NexusNomad
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Spellbinder
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Flotsams54
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Rummy Stickers
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
Coffee
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
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