Book description
One of People's Best Books of June! "I did not expect to be shocked by There Is No Ethan. Online deception has become so ubiquitous that it's boring...But the twists and turns in Anna Akbari's book are outrageous. I read it in one sitting, then spent days recounting her story to anyone who would listen, unable to shake off my indignation on behalf of the author and her fellow victims."--New York Times Part memoir, part explosive window into the mind of a catfisher, a thrilling personal account of three women coming face-to-face with an internet predator and teaming up to expose them. In 2011, three successful and highly educated women fell head over heels for the brilliant and charming Ethan Schuman. Unbeknownst to the others, each exchanged countless messages with Ethan, staying up late into the evenings to deepen their connections with this fascinating man. His detailed excuses about broken webcams and complicated international calling plans seemed believable, as did last minute trip cancellations. After all, why would he lie? Ethan wasn't after money -- he never convinced his marks to shell out thousands of dollars for some imagined crisis. Rather, he ensnared these women in a web of intense emotional intimacy. After the trio independently began to question inconsistencies in their new flame's stories, they managed to find one another and uncover a greater deception than they could've ever imagined. As Anna Akbari and the women untangled their catfish's web, they found other victims and realized that without a proper crime, there was no legal reason for "Ethan" to ever stop. THERE IS NO ETHAN catalogues Akbari's experience as both victim and observer. By looking at the bigger picture of where these stories unfold -- a world where technology mediates our relationships; where words and images are easily manipulated; and where truth, reality, and identity have become slippery terms -- Akbari gives a page-turning and riveting examination of why stories like Ethan's matter for us all.
About the Author
Anna Akbari, PhD, is a sociologist and the author of multiple books, including collaborations with more than a dozen authors and public figures across multiple fields and industries. She is a former professor at New York University and Parsons School of Design. She speaks internationally, makes regular media appearances, and has written for or been featured by many top media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, Forbes, the Atlantic, Time, the Financial Times, TED, Bulletproof Executive, Psychology Today, Google Talks, Sirius XM, and many more. She is the creator of the Substack "The Sociology of... Everything." Learn more at annaakbari.com, and follow on Instagram / Threads: @annaakbari.
Demand Chopper
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel.
InsightInkwell
Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Willow Dragon
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 ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Sugar Apple
πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ 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 The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
PepperBurst
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Kickstart
π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Nessie
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Mental
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ
Miss Fix It
ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Wild Hair
β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Mr. Alien
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
Digital Moonshine
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Wrangler Jim
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
LyRz
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ Iβve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Dandelion
π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Pixie Taze
This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Toolmaker
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience.
RiddleRover
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Canine Hannibal
Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Hyper Kong
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity.
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