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.
Apex
ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Mother Night
Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey.
Cool Iris
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Twinkle
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
BearDrift
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Winded On Friday
With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Switch
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
Cupid Dust
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Classy Luck
Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Microwave Chardonnay
πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Lord Pistachio
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Hitch Frenzy
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Street Squirrel
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Marigold Loot
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Blade
π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
Aqua Monsoon
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Jigsaw
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ
Mud Finger
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
Dez North
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Blood Taker
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
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