Book description
"Houston spread like a glass of milk spilled on the wobbling table of Texan plains," Micah Fields writes in this unique and poetic blend of reportage, history, and memoir. Developed as the commercial hub of the Texas cotton and sugarcane industries, Houston was designed for profit, not stability. Its first residents razed swamplands into submission to construct a maze of highways and suburbs, giving the city a sprawling, centerless energy where feral cats, alligators, and poisonous snakes flourished in the bayous as storms and floods rattled coastal Texas.When Hurricane Harvey made landfall in 2017, Fields set off from his home in Iowa back to the battered city of his childhood to rescue his mother who was hell-bent on staying no matter how many feet of rain surged in from the Gulf. Along the way, he traded a Jeep for a small boat and floated among the storm's detritus in search of solid ground. With precision and eloquence, Fields tracks the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, one storm in a long lineage that threatens the fourth largest city in America.Fields depicts the history of Houston with reverence and lyrical certainty, investigating the conflicting facets of Texan identity that are as resilient as they are catastrophic, steeped in racial subjugation, environmental collapse, and capitalist greed. He writes of the development of the modern city in the wake of the destruction of Galveston in 1900; of the wealthy Menil family and self-taught abstract painter Forrest Bess, a queer artist and fisherman born in 1911 who hardly ever left the Gulf Coast; of the oil booms and busts that shaped the city; of the unchecked lust for growth that makes Houston so expressive of the American dream. We Hold Our Breath is a portrait of a city that exists despite it all, a city whose story has always been one of war waged relentlessly against water.
Vagabond Warrior
Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
Pinup Diva
This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Eerie
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Boo
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
CoB@lt
💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️ 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.
Black Firefly
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient.
Kabuki
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
MysticMingle
I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Prone
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Steel Cut Toe
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing.
Dancing Madman
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Kazami of Truth
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Short Firecracker
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Tabasco Dracula
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way.
Poppy Coffee
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout.
Palomino Cake
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
InsightfulInk
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀
Cosmic Presence
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
White Dragon
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
RawSkills
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! 📱🔊 Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
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