Book description
The Winners - Audiobook Review
If you've ever been swept up in the roar of a hockey crowd or felt the sting of a town's collective grief, Fredrik Backman's The Winners will resonate with you on an almost visceral level. The audiobook delivers the same "engrossing page-turner" energy that earned the book its #1 New York Times spot, but amplified by the narrator's warm, nuanced performance.
From the opening line, the story pulls you back into Beartown-a place where loyalty and heartbreak run as deep as the ice on its newly built rink. Backman's prose is tight yet lyrical; he balances sweeping community drama with intimate character moments that feel almost like a conversation between friends. The narrator captures this duality beautifully-softening when Maya Andersson reminisces about her childhood, then tightening his voice to convey Benji Ovich's quiet determination.
What makes the audiobook stand out is its pacing. Backman's narrative beats up and down with the same rhythm as a hockey game: rapid bursts of tension during the escalating rivalry with neighboring Hed, followed by reflective pauses that let you digest the weight of loss and redemption. The narrator's use of subtle vocal inflections brings each character to life-Maya's hopeful optimism, Amat's weary resignation, and the fourteen-year-old's growing alienation all feel distinct and authentic.
The climax is nothing short of a "hell of a conclusion," as Booklist praised it, and the audiobook delivers that intensity without feeling melodramatic. The tension peaks with the looming threat of violence, and you can almost hear the crack of a gunshot echoing across the lake-yet Backman's writing remains grounded in the human stories behind those actions. It is a stark reminder that even in a town built on hockey glory, forgiveness is the most powerful game.
For fans of Friday Night Lights or anyone who loves a story that blends sports with social commentary, this audiobook is a must-listen. Backman's signature blend of humor and heart, paired with an engaging narrator, turns The Winners into more than just a book-it becomes an immersive experience that lingers long after the final track ends.
Mantis Queen
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly.
Burn
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver!
Little Drunk Girl
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening.
Steel Heart
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§ Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
SkyGod
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books.
Devil Blade
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Microwave Chardonnay
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable.
K-Tin Man
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Jack Cassidy
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
LyRz
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a standout. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
RealmRanger
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§
Wolf Tribune
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
MicroStar
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Vortex
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true 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!
ForumFusion
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic.
The Happy Jock
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Juice Petite
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π
Wanted Candy
π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Fire Queen
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Silver Rose
π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
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