Book description
"Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow is one of the best books on writing I've ever read. It's also the funniest by a country mile." --Richard Russo, author of the North Bath trilogy The long-awaited craft book from Steve Almond, based on three decades of writing, failing, and trying again. In Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow, Steve Almond shares the insights gleaned from three decades as a beloved teacher and mentor, and a considerably less-beloved literary rabble rouser. His tone is irreverent. His ideas are iconoclastic. And his approach is stubbornly, radically, empathic. The goal is to explode the well-meaning but misguided myths that hold us back from writing our deepest and most honest work, to awaken the joys of storytelling while also confronting how grueling the process can be. Truth features chapters on plot, character, and chronology, but travels far beyond the earnest aims of most creative writing books, with essays about humor, sex, obsession, and writer's block, as well as prompts to generate new work and a rollicking Frequently Asked Questions section. You'll never think about writing the same way again.
About the Author
Steve Almond is the author of a dozen books of fiction and nonfiction, including All The Secrets of The World and the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football. His essays and reviews have been published in venues ranging from the New York Times Magazine to Ploughshares to Poets & Writers, and his short fiction has appeared in Best American Short Stories, The Pushcart Prize, Best American Mysteries, and Best American Erotica. Almond is the recipient of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and co-hosted the Dear Sugars podcast with Cheryl Strayed for four years. He teaches at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism, and lives outside Boston with his family, his debt, and his anxiety.
RZRWRE
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! 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.
Martini Flower
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
Swing Setter
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph.
Moon Orchid
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Doughboy, Esq
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem.
Sandbox
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖 ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
VPR
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Girl Brownie
Say goodbye to boring commutes – this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 🌟📚 ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Poppin Loot
The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
StorySculptor
🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Dallas Foxface
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Saint La-Z-Boy
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
PepperBurst
🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Kickstart
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Electric Player
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Fast FLAK
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
Toy Dogwatch
The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Forger
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Duchess
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. 🌟🎧
Scarlet Mary
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
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