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.
57 Pixels
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Shadow Gal
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
WanderWord
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Sun Washer
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
The Belgian
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance β it's a must-have for any reader. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile!
Skittle Mine
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
D-Hog-Day
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Hermopolis
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Sherwood Gladiator
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Hyper Kong
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π
General Broomdog
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Blink
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Engine Eye
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Dredd
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Ship Whip
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Star Scratch
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§
Pinball Wizard
Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Electric Saturn
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
MysticMingle
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move.
ManManMan
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. 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