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.
Chapstick
π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Classy Luck
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives.
Moon Cricket
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience.
Skirble
This app is not just about convenience β it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Dance Cannon
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits β so cool! This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Frosty
My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. 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!
Coldy
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Spontan8ty
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§
Mafia Princess
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature.
DriftDetector
ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
WonderWords
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
ShadowDancer
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Taffy Duchess
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Disco Thunder
No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues!
Fiend Oblivion
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing.
Freak
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Hidden Tree
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Risen
π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Earl of Arms
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
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