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.
Chip Queen
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. 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!
1st Degree
The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Grave Digger
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. 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!
LunaStar
This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. 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!
K-Tin Man
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Morbid Angel
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Clover Rabbit
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Pixie Soldier
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. 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!
Cool Law Topping
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
QuestWeaver
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Sexy
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π±
Digger
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Sβmore Vixen
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Blade
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
SneakerKid
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Dallas Burn
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Mindless Bobcat
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Tangerine
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π
VisionVortex
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
QuantumQuill
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
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