Book description
Audiobook Review - "The Smartest Kids in the World" by Amanda Ripley
If you've ever wondered how a handful of nations have turned their children into real problem-solvers, this audiobook is your passport. Narrated with engaging clarity, Ripley takes listeners on a global tour that feels both like an investigative report and a heartfelt memoir.
The story opens in the most unexpected places: a girl from Oklahoma who raises $10 000 to study in Finland, a Minnesota teenager who trades his quiet suburb for Seoul's fast-paced streets, and a Pennsylvania boy who moves to Poland. Through their eyes the book reveals how each country has re-imagined schooling-not by throwing out textbooks, but by reshaping attitudes toward learning itself.
What makes this listen especially compelling is Ripley's balance of data and humanity. She cites cutting-edge research on cognitive development while never losing sight of the students' daily struggles-sleep-deprived exams, teachers who once earned millions, parents who now set higher expectations. The narrative is peppered with anecdotes that make complex educational reforms feel relatable: a "battle-scarred" reformer's late-night meetings, a student's first time tackling an open-ended problem, the moment a teacher finally sees her class light up.
Critics have praised the book for its "masterly" insight. The New York Times Book Review notes that it peels back the glossy surface of foreign cultures and makes our own education system look oddly strange-an invitation to question what we accept as normal. This audiobook doesn't just inform; it inspires. By showing how cultural shifts in parenting, curriculum rigor, and student agency can dramatically raise intellectual performance, Ripley plants a seed for listeners who want real change.
The narrator's pacing keeps the story moving, while occasional pauses allow complex ideas to settle. Even long stretches of dialogue feel natural because each voice is distinct-whether it's a Finnish principal, a Korean teacher, or an American student in Poland. The result is a listening experience that feels like a conversation with friends over coffee.
In sum, "The Smartest Kids in the World" is more than a comparison of school systems; it's a call to action. For anyone curious about how education can be re-imagined-or for parents who wish their children had more than just homework-this audiobook offers both evidence and hope. It reminds us that smarter kids aren't born by chance; they're cultivated, one thoughtful lesson at a time.
Referee
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch.
Nacho
Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
TrinitySoul
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings.
Lincoln Rider
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ
Divine Bramble
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π
Honey
ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
ELLerG!c
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Iβm 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!
Blink
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Silver Cup
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
RiddleRanger
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
QuestWeaver
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Airport Hobo
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Atomic Blastoid
πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story!
Alley Cat
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Pinball Wizard
π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Dahlia
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives.
Mint Ness
AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Hightower
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Diamond Gamer
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. 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
Hella Fella
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
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