Book description
The digital era is beset by distraction, and it feels like things are only getting worse. At times like these, the distant past beckons as a golden age of attention. We fantasize about escaping our screens. We dream of recapturing the quiet of a world with less noise. We imagine retreating into solitude and singlemindedness, almost like latter-day monks. But although we think of early monks as master concentrators, a life of mindfulness did not, in fact, come to them easily. As historian Jamie Kreiner demonstrates in The Wandering Mind, their attempts to stretch the mind out to God--to continuously contemplate the divine order and its ethical requirements--were all-consuming, and their battles against distraction were never-ending. Delving into the experiences of early Christian monks living in the Middle East, around the Mediterranean, and throughout Europe from 300 to 900 CE, Kreiner shows that these men and women were obsessed with distraction in ways that seem remarkably modern. At the same time, she suggests that our own obsession is remarkably medieval. Ancient Greek and Roman intellectuals had sometimes complained about distraction, but it was early Christian monks who waged an all-out war against it. The stakes could not have been higher: they saw distraction as a matter of life and death. Even though the world today is vastly different from the world of the early Middle Ages, we can still learn something about our own distractedness by looking closely at monks' strenuous efforts to concentrate. Drawing on a trove of sources that the monks left behind, Kreiner reconstructs the techniques they devised in their lifelong quest to master their minds--from regimented work schedules and elaborative metacognitive exercises to physical regimens for hygiene, sleep, sex, and diet. She captures the fleeting moments of pure attentiveness that some monks managed to grasp, and the many times when monks struggled and failed and went back to the drawing board. Blending history and psychology, The Wandering Mind is a witty, illuminating account of human fallibility and ingenuity that bridges a distant era and our own.
LuminaLore
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
PixelPilgrim
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π
Reno Monarch
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Pixie
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
QuestQuill
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Icy Avenger
I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Lincoln Rider
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
Doll Champagne
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story.
Pitfall Whiskers
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π
MysticMingle
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Lucky Brandy
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. 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§ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Swampmasher
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease.
VPR
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
StormCake
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Chicago Blackout
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
NecroBull
Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Frenzy
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Lucifurious
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Alpha
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π
360
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
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