Book description
Christian Gauss Award ShortlistWinner of the ASAP Book PrizeA Literary Hub Book of the Year "Makes the case that the gimmick...is of tremendous critical value...Lies somewhere between critical theory and Sontag's best work."--Los Angeles Review of Books "Ngai exposes capitalism's tricks in her mind-blowing study of the time- and labor-saving devices we call gimmicks."--New Statesman "One of the most creative humanities scholars working today...My god, it's so good."--Literary Hub "Ngai is a keen analyst of overlooked or denigrated categories in art and life...Highly original."--4Columns "It is undeniable that part of what makes Ngai's analyses of aesthetic categories so appealing...is simply her capacity to speak about them brilliantly."--Bookforum "A page turner."--American Literary History Deeply objectionable and yet strangely attractive, the gimmick comes in many guises: a musical hook, a financial strategy, a striptease, a novel of ideas. Above all, acclaimed theorist Sianne Ngai argues, the gimmick strikes us both as working too little (a labor-saving trick) and working too hard (a strained effort to get our attention). When we call something a gimmick, we register misgivings that suggest broader anxieties about value, money, and time, making the gimmick a hallmark of capitalism. With wit and critical precision, Ngai explores the extravagantly impoverished gimmick across a range of examples: the fiction of Thomas Mann, Helen DeWitt, and Henry James; the video art of Stan Douglas; the theoretical writings of Stanley Cavell and Theodor Adorno. Despite its status as cheap and compromised, the gimmick emerges as a surprisingly powerful tool in this formidable contribution to aesthetic theory.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect.
Steel
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Twitch
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Trigger Warming
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. 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.
Brick Mooch
This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Lady Katniss
β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Sneaky Lady
π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Mr. Wholesome
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Copilot
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Plum Moon
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Firedog
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Cool Whip
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Sky Trinity
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
SunVolt
Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Lady In Red
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
PepperBurst
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Mr. Peppermint
Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Gothic Gucci
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
RiddleRover
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Divine Quasar
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ±
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