Book description
Wesley Smith's breakup with a woman who called him a Luddite ("Why can't you just read off the computer like everyone else?") should've been the end of his story. Instead, it's the terrifying, hilarious, and utterly relatable setup for Stephen King's UR-now a brilliantly unsettling audiobook. Forget the e-reader hype; this is a ghost story for the digital age, narrated with perfect, creeping dread by a voice that sounds like your conscience whispering through your earbuds at 3 a.m.
King's genius here isn't just in the horror-it's in how he weaponizes our modern anxiety. Wesley buys that e-reader out of spite, only to discover it's not just a device, but a portal to literary heaven and hell. You'll laugh when he realizes his "vast, unexplored" e-library includes The Great Gatsby... but also a version where Gatsby actually gets his money. Then you'll freeze when the device starts showing him the real tragedies-like a woman who died alone in a library because she was too busy reading to notice the fire.
The audiobook format? Perfect. The narrator's calm, almost bored delivery as Wesley descends into madness makes the horror sharper. You hear the click of the e-reader's page turn, the faint static of a world bleeding through, and suddenly you're questioning your own phone screen. Are you seeing things? Is that a notification from your ex? King doesn't just scare you-he makes you feel complicit. Because let's be honest: we've all stared at a screen, pretending to read while scrolling past our own lives. Wesley's device just shows us what we've been ignoring.
And oh, the irony. Wesley's ex called him out for being old-fashioned, but the real horror isn't the e-reader-it's the way we've all become digital ghosts, haunting our own lives while claiming to be "connected." King's not mocking tech; he's exposing how we've outsourced our humanity to gadgets that promise to make us more alive, only to reveal how utterly, terrifyingly alone we've become.
The best part? The book never stops being a thriller. One minute you're chuckling at Wesley's disastrous attempts to "use the device like everyone else," the next you're gripping your headphones as the audiobook drops you into a scene where a character's entire life flashes on the screen-like a TikTok of despair. It's not just a story about a haunted e-reader; it's a story about all of us, scrolling through a world that's already haunted, and too busy to notice.
So grab your earbuds, skip the Kindle, and let King remind you: the scariest thing isn't the ghost in the machine. It's the ghost you left behind when you started reading off the screen. UR isn't just a book-it's a wake-up call you'll hear echoing long after the last chapter. And honestly? You've been waiting for it.
HOV
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Sokol
π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
CommandX
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
ManManMan
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! 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!
Aqua Diva
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Hyper
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Street Squirrel
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
ZenZone
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match. Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
LuminaLore
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Heaven Sent
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Alpha
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy.
Pinball Esq
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences β it's a fantastic touch. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
Cabbie
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Pearl Girl
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Ice
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight.
Abyss Tamer
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
K-9
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Despair
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Liquid Death
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes!
MeeP
CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
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