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.
Dandelion
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
Rusty Vortex
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
CodeExia
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable.
Freeway
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Hemlock
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. 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!
ByteBard
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Lil Rebel Ma
I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time.
Darth 44
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
HedgeH0g2
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Black Mustard
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Duke Electro
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Ice
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph.
Apple Nola
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Crash Enforcer
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight.
ThoughtTrail
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Venom Petunia
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Freesia
User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Eye Candy Kitten
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Mastering audiobook navigation – this app's ease of use is commendable. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Kawaii Red
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic!
Cross Thread
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. 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!
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