 
  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.
  Black Walnut  
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
  NexusNinja  
I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
  Divine Quasar  
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
  Charms  
π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
  Little General  
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
  Digital Equinox  
π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
  Eerie  
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
  Pigeon Woman  
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
  Sidewalk Enforcer  
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
  Slug-em-dog  
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
  DARK HQ  
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
  Dr. Jam Man  
ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
  Wild Kitten  
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
  Switch  
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
  Sepukku  
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π«
  Paris Boost  
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
  Pink Stream  
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
  Dallas Burn  
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨
  Koi Diva  
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
  Ladysmith  
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
 
 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
