Book description
A distinguished former foreign correspondent embraces retirement by setting out alone on foot for nearly four hundred miles, and explores a side of America nearly as exotic as the locales from which he once filed. Traveling with an unwieldy pack and a keen curiosity, Christopher Wren bids farewell to the New York Times newsroom in midtown Manhattan and saunters up Broadway, through Harlem, the Bronx, and the affluent New York suburbs of Westchester and Putnam Counties. As his trek takes him into the Housatonic River Valley of Connecticut, the Berkshires of Massachusetts, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and along a bucolic riverbank in New Hampshire, the strenuous challenges become as much emotional as physical. Wren loses his way in a suburban thicket of million-dollar mansions, dodges speeding motorists, seeks serenity at a convent, shivers through a rainy night among Shaker ruins, camps in a stranger's backyard, panhandles cookies and water from a good samaritan, absorbs the lore of the Appalachian and Long Trails, sweats up and down mountains, and lands in a hospital emergency room. Struggling under the weight of a fifty-pound pack, he gripes, "We might grow less addicted to stuff if everything we bought had to be carried on our backs." He hangs out with fellow wanderers named Old Rabbit, Flash, Gatorman, Stray Dog, and Buzzard, and learns gratitude from the anonymous charity of trail angels. His rite of passage into retirement, with its heat and dust and blisters galore, evokes vivid reminiscences of earlier risks taken, sometimes at gunpoint, during his years spent reporting from Russia, China, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa. He loses track of time, waking with the sun, stopping to eat when hunger gnaws, and camping under starry skies that transform the nights of solitude. For all the self-inflicted hardship, he reports, "In fact, I felt pretty good." Wren has woven an intensely personal story that is candid and often downright hilarious. As Vermont turns from a destination into a state of mind, he concludes, "I had stumbled upon the secret of how utterly irrelevant chronological age is." This book, from the author of the acclaimed bestseller The Cat Who Covered the World, will delight not just hikers, walkers, and other lovers of the outdoors, but also anyone who contemplates retirement, wonders about foreign correspondents, or relishes a lively, off-beat adventure, even when it unfolds close to home.
Tabasco Dracula
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Eerie Mizzen
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
CZR
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities.
Twine X
Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Blade
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Venom Charms
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Alley Frog
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Redneck Giorgio
🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 🚗📖 Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks – driving has never been this fun! 🚗🎧 🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Freeze Queen
ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Martini Flower
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic.
Beetle King
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Twin Blaze
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient.
AxelRoad
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡
Aqua Diva
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. 🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 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.
Kabuki
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Snapdragon
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱
Mint Ness
🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel.
Woo Woo
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. 💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧
Rosie Bird
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. 🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Alley Fiend
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
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