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.
Kazmii
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π
9Lives
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
FireBrang
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ
Dark Matter
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Bang Shift
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Opulent Gamer
π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Ladybird
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Killah Goose
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ
Bazooka Har-de-har
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
FRMhndshk
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§
RiddleRanger
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
All Natural
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Turnip King
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Midnight Bat
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Hemlock
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Wanted Candy
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Wanted Candy
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ±
DreamWeaver
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Pixy Mox
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. π±π The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Demo Zero
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
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