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.
Baby Brown
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Crazy Eights
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. 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 customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Most Wanted
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Eight Patrol
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
Undergrad
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly.
Sβmore Vixen
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Bleachers
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§
Scratch Man
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
Darling Peacock
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
ManBreaker
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ
Black Fantastic
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate.
Stud muffin
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful.
Zod
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's design is user-centric. Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch.
Popeye Wipeout
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back!
Sokol
π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Mirage
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
QuestWeaver
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive.
Impulsive Flower
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Flint Cast-Iron
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§
K-9
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. 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