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.
Fadey
ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Gold Dahlia
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π
Cosmic Presence
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
MrOnsTr
Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps.
Wildcat Appaloosa
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π
Mental
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. 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 is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
Spunky Comet
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! 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!
Winded On Friday
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Undergrad
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Tacklebox
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
LuminaLore
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
180
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. 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. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Instant Star
πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Barbwire
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Troubled Pie
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π
RedMouth
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Lumberyard
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically.
Flash Protein
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ
Lord Pistachio
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§
Spicy Thunder
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
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