Book description
"A riveting indictment of the child welfare system . . . [A] bracing gut punch of a book." --Robert Kolker, The Washington Post "[A] moving and superbly reported book." --Jessica Winter, The New Yorker "A harrowing account . . . [and] a powerful critique of [the] foster care system . . . We Were Once a Family is a wrenching book." --Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice The shocking, deeply reported story of a murder-suicide that claimed the lives of six children--and a searing indictment of the American foster care system. On March 26, 2018, rescue workers discovered a crumpled SUV and the bodies of two women and multiple children at the bottom of a cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway. Investigators soon concluded that the crash was a murder-suicide, but there was more to the story: Jennifer and Sarah Hart, it turned out, were a white married couple who had adopted six Black children from two different Texas families in 2006 and 2008. Behind the family's loving facade was an alleged pattern of abuse and neglect that had been ignored as the couple withdrew the children from school and moved west. It soon became apparent that the State of Texas knew all too little about the two individuals to whom it had given custody of six children. Immersive journalism of the highest order, Roxanna Asgarian's We Were Once a Family is a revelation of precarious lives; it is also a shattering exposΓ© of the foster care and adoption systems that produced this tragedy. As a journalist in Houston, Asgarian sought out the children's birth families and put them at the center of the story. We follow the lives of the Harts' adopted children and their birth parents, and the machinations of the state agency that sent the children far away. Asgarian's reporting uncovers persistent racial biases and corruption as young people of color are separated from birth parents without proper cause. The result is a riveting narrative and a deeply reported indictment of a system that continues to fail America's most vulnerable children while upending the lives of their families.
Cosmic Presence
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ
Spunky Chick
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
King Bass
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Earl of Arms
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Senior Smurf
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Thunder Nut
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Solo Kill
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Cooger
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Mr. Lucky
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Pocket Mazda
ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Versace-Cat
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
New York Winder
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Springheel Jack
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Frenzy
ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Alley Frog
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
Light Lion
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Midnight Rambler
π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Terror Master
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Microwave
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening.
Lil Rebel Ma
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
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