Book description
Fintan O'Toole was born in the year the revolution began. It was 1958, and the Irish government--in despair, because all the young people were leaving--opened the country to foreign investment and popular culture. So began a decades-long, ongoing experiment with Irish national identity. In We Don't Know Ourselves, O'Toole, one of the Anglophone world's most consummate stylists, weaves his own experiences into Irish social, cultural, and economic change, showing how Ireland, in just one lifetime, has gone from a reactionary "backwater" to an almost totally open society--perhaps the most astonishing national transformation in modern history.Born to a working-class family in the Dublin suburbs, O'Toole served as an altar boy and attended a Christian Brothers school, much as his forebears did. He was enthralled by American Westerns suddenly appearing on Irish television, which were not that far from his own experience, given that Ireland's main export was beef and it was still not unknown for herds of cattle to clatter down Dublin's streets. Yet the Westerns were a sign of what was to come. O'Toole narrates the once unthinkable collapse of the all-powerful Catholic Church, brought down by scandal and by the activism of ordinary Irish, women in particular. He relates the horrific violence of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, which led most Irish to reject violent nationalism. In O'Toole's telling, America became a lodestar, from John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit, when the soon-to-be martyred American president was welcomed as a native son, to the emergence of the Irish technology sector in the late 1990s, driven by American corporations, which set Ireland on the path toward particular disaster during the 2008 financial crisis.A remarkably compassionate yet exacting observer, O'Toole in coruscating prose captures the peculiar Irish habit of "deliberate unknowing," which allowed myths of national greatness to persist even as the foundations were crumbling. Forty years in the making, We Don't Know Ourselves is a landmark work, a memoir and a national history that ultimately reveals how the two modes are entwined for all of us.
Cougar Fuzz
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. 💪 Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features – audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! 💼🎧 The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Tacklebox
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
SWAT Honey
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Gas Man
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story.
Cool Law Topping
The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Pockets
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
PixelPathfinder
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Vicious Street
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
High Deck
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Combo Saw
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
Firefly Caramel
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Purity
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Baked ZD
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back!
Cowboy Booter
🛌 Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. 🌙📚 Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Fist Wizard
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! 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!
QuantumQuipper
Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Minty Devil
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Black Firefly
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. 🎉📚 Rekindling my passion for books – this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! 🔥📖 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Viceswerve
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Indigo Red
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
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