Book description
The mysterious true story of Connie Converse--a mid-century New York City songwriter, singer, and composer whose haunting music never found broad recognition--and one writer's quest to understand her life This is the mesmerizing story of an enigmatic life. When musician and New Yorker contributor Howard Fishman first heard Connie Converse's voice on a recording, he was convinced she could not be real. Her recordings were too good not to know, and too out of place for the 1950s to make sense--a singer who seemed to bridge the gap between traditional Americana (country, blues, folk, jazz, and gospel), the Great American Songbook, and the singer-songwriter movement that exploded a decade later with Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. And then there was the bizarre legend about Connie Converse that had become the prevailing narrative of her life: that in 1974, at the age of fifty, she simply drove off one day and was never heard from again. Could this have been true? Who was Connie Converse, really? Supported by a dozen years of research, travel to everywhere she lived, and hundreds of extensive interviews, Fishman approaches Converse's story as both a fan and a journalist, and expertly weaves a narrative of her life and music, and of how it has come to speak to him as both an artist and a person. Ultimately, he places her in the canon as a significant outsider artist, a missing link between a now old-fashioned kind of American music and the reflective, complex, arresting music that transformed the 1960s and music forever. But this is also a story of deeply secretive New England traditions, of a woman who fiercely strove for independence and success when the odds were against her; a story that includes suicide, mental illness, statistics, siblings, oil paintings, acoustic guitars, cross-country road trips, 1950s Greenwich Village, an America marching into the Cold War, questions about sexuality, and visionary, forward thinking about race, class, and conflict. It's a story and subject that is by turn hopeful, inspiring, melancholy, and chilling.
CuriousCoder
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Dream Killer
I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Chameleon
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Beo
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
RiddleRover
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Dewdrop Doll
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Nessie
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Mr. Gadget
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
PP Dubs
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Trick Baron
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Wiccan Trouble
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities.
Kamikaze Granny
The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
xFRST
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Carrot Joker
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively.
Barbwire
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Mental Prophet
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
SunnySnap
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π
Frosty Snazz
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Light Despair
The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Twix Esses
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
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