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.
Stud
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
StorySculptor
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§
McDreamy
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
Flashpoint
βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable.
Freeway
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey.
Flash
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Broomspun
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. 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§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Fuzzy Rainbow
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Disco Thunder
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Crash Override
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Earl of Arms
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Sleek Assassin
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Devil Blade
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences.
Referee
Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Dahlia
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
New Magoo
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Fiend Oblivion
Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Undergrad Split
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Tangerine
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Microwave
Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
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