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.
Pixy Mox
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Bowler
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Irish Dze
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Valley Guardian
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Bug Fire
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions.
Cool Whip
ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Thunder Nut
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§ As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Despair
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Trash Pocky
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
Nibbler
ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Devil Chick
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
ByteBard
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
K-Tin Man
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks.
LoreLoomer
π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. 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! 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Voodoo Cyclone
π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ
Candy Butcher
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. 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!
Sugar Domino
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Jelly Camber
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
FireBrang
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Hex Panther
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
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