Book description
A transformative 300-mile walk along Japan’s ancient pilgrimage routes and through depopulating villages inspires a heartrending remembrance of a long-lost friend, documented in poignant, imaginative prose and remarkable photography.“An epic, exquisitely detailed journey, on foot, through a rural Japan few of us are likely to experience. Uniquely unforgettable.”—William Gibson, New York Times bestselling author of NeuromancerPhotographer 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 Kodō routes—the ancient pilgrimage paths of Japan’s southern Kii Peninsula—took on an unexpectedly personal new significance. Mod found himself reflecting on his own childhood in a post-industrial American town, his experiences as an adoptee, his unlikely relocation to Japan at nineteen, and his relationship with one lost friend, whose life was tragically cut short after their paths diverged. For Mod, the walk became a tool to bear witness to a quiet grace visible only when “you’re bored out of your skull and the miles left are long.”Tracing a 300-mile-long journey, 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 village 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 made visible only 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 other publications.
Nacho
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Sylvester Eye
📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Little Granger
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
EchoEnigma
I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
MysticMingle
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. 🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
InfinityInsight
🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Yellow Menace
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Twister Hero
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. 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.
VisionVortex
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Pocket Muzzie
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences.
Dove Dolce
🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧 ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Sky Dahlia
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Judge
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. 📱📖 The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
D-Hog-Day
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done!
Trash
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
RealmRanger
ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
Subzero Taffy
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Venom Petunia
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Risen
🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
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