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.
NexusNomad
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Casanova
I've become addicted to this app – in the best possible way! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
Easy Sweep
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! ⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Bambi Benz
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Wild Tesla
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy!
Twin Blaze
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Cool Law Topping
Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧 Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. 🌌🎧
Toolmaker
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Lunar Treat
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Prof. Screw
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time.
VenusLion
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Prof. Smirk
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
CommandX
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧
NightWonka
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. 🚗📖 On-the-go listening has never been smoother – this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. 🚗📚 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖
Spit Turanga
Effortless and enriching – 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. 📱📖 ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Lope Lope
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Pepper
ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Slint FUBAR
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education.
Sidewalk Enforcer
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls.
Zesty Dragon
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
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