Book description
A 2020 New York Times notable book One of the Chicago Tribune's best nonfiction books of 2020Complex, turbulent, as haunting as a pedal steel solo --Jonathan Miles, The New York Times Book Review (Editors' Choice) One of 21 books we can't wait to read in 2020 --Thrillist A New York Times Book Review summer reading pick A GQ best book of 2020 Named one of the 10 best July books by The Washington Post and The Christian Science Monitor A Kirkus Reviews hottest summer read A Publishers Weekly summer reads staff pickThe incredible true story of America's original--and forgotten--capital of viceBack in the days before Vegas was big, when the Mob was at its peak and neon lights were but a glimmer on the horizon, a little Southern town styled itself as a premier destination for the American leisure class. Hot Springs, Arkansas was home to healing waters, Art Deco splendor, and America's original national park--as well as horse racing, nearly a dozen illegal casinos, countless backrooms and brothels, and some of the country's most bald-faced criminals. Gangsters, gamblers, and gamines: all once flocked to America's forgotten capital of vice, a place where small-town hustlers and bigtime high-rollers could make their fortunes, and hide from the law. The Vapors is the extraordinary story of three individuals--spanning the golden decades of Hot Springs, from the 1930s through the 1960s--and the lavish casino whose spectacular rise and fall would bring them together before blowing them apart. Hazel Hill was still a young girl when legendary mobster Owney Madden rolled into town in his convertible, fresh off a crime spree in New York. He quickly established himself as the gentleman Godfather of Hot Springs, cutting barroom deals and buying stakes in the clubs at which Hazel made her living--and drank away her sorrows. Owney's protégé was Dane Harris, the son of a Cherokee bootlegger who rose through the town's ranks to become Boss Gambler. It was his idea to build The Vapors, a pleasure palace more spectacular than any the town had ever seen, and an establishment to rival anything on the Vegas Strip or Broadway in sophistication and supercharged glamour. In this riveting work of forgotten history, native Arkansan David Hill plots the trajectory of everything from organized crime to America's fraught racial past, examining how a town synonymous with white gangsters supported a burgeoning black middle class. He reveals how the louche underbelly of the South was also home to veterans hospitals and baseball's spring training grounds, giving rise to everyone from Babe Ruth to President Bill Clinton. Infused with the sights and sounds of America's entertainment heyday--jazz orchestras and auctioneers, slot machines and suited comedians--The Vapors is an arresting glimpse into a bygone era of American vice.
Jack Cassidy
Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Corny
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. 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!
Viceswerve
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Lil Rebel Ma
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Twitch
The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
MysticMingle
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Snow Hound
💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Tabasco Dracula
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces.
Married Man
ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
Darkside Hooker
With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again.
Wild Tesla
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Old Regret
🎙️ The app's functionality is a true work of art – it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. 📚🎨 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!
Mustard Centaur
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Snapdragon
💃 Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores – a dance of productivity! 🎶📖 ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Stealth
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Santa's Little Helper
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. 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!
MysticMingle
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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! Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
180
Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is impressive. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. 🌌🎧 Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Sleek Assassin
With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Tse Tse Guy
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
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