Book description
A transformative 300-mile walk along Japan's ancient pilgrimage routes and through depopulating villages inspires a heart-rending remembrance of a long-lost friend, documented alongside remarkable photographs. Photographer and essayist Craig Mod is a veteran of long solo walks. But in 2021, during the pandemic shutdown of Japan's borders, one particular walk around the Kumano KodΕ routes--the ancient pilgrimage paths of Japan's southern Kii Peninsula--took on an unexpectedly personal new significance. While passing the peninsula's shrinking villages, Mod found himself reflecting on his own childhood in a post-industrial American town, his experiences as an adoptee, his unlikely relocation to Japan as a student at age nineteen, and his relationship with one lost friend, whose life was tragically cut short after their paths diverged. As the days passed, he considered why he has walked so rigorously and religiously during his twenty-five years as an immigrant in Japan, contemplating the power of walking itself. For Mod, solo walks are a tool to change the very structure of his mind, to better himself, and to bear witness to a quiet grace visible only when "you're bored out of your skull and the miles left are long." Through the frame of a 300-mile-long pilgrimage walk, Things Become Other Things folds together history, literature, poetry, Shinto and Buddhist spirituality, and contemporary rural life in Japan via dozens of conversations with aging fishermen, multi-generational inn owners, farmers, and kissaten cafe "mamas." Along the way, Mod communes with mountain fauna, marvels over evidence of bears and boars, and hopscotches around leeches. He encounters whispering priests and foul-mouthed little kids who ask him "just what the heck are you, anyway?" Through sharp prose and his curious archive of photographs, he records evidence of floods and tsunamis, the disappearance of life on the peninsula, and the capricious fecundity of nature. Things Become Other Things blends memoir and travel writing at their best, transporting readers to an otherwise inaccessible Japan, one only made visible through Mod's unique bicultural lens.
About the Author
Craig Mod is a writer, photographer, and walker living in Tokyo, Japan. He is the author of four books, including Things Become Other Things and Kissa by Kissa. He is also the author of the newsletters Roden and Ridgeline and has contributed to The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, and more.
Demo Zero
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Guncap Slingbad
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
Take Away
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Don Stab
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Little Cobra
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Breezy Mustang
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app.
Bae
This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps.
Winded On Friday
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me.
Whipsaw
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Red Heroine
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app.
NightDream
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. No more hassle with formats β this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Dr. WMD
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
ThreadTrail
π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 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
Marigold Loot
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
Nueva Nova
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
Delicious
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§
Kamikaze Granny
The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
SprkR
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Slint FUBAR
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Drift
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
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