Book description
Spiritual and community lessons for embracing collective care, co-creating sustainable worlds, and responsibly meeting uncertain futures--a Zen and Indigenous take on building better, more balanced ways of being For readers of Hospicing Modernity, When Things Fall Apart, and Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet Talking story, weaving poetry, and offering wisdom at the intersections of strategy, politics, and spiritual activism, When No Thing Works is a visionary guide to co-creating new worlds from one in crisis. It asks into the ways we can live well and maintain our wholeness in an era of collective acceleration the swiftly moving current, fed and shaped by human actions, that sweeps us toward ever uncertain futures. Grounded in Zen Buddhism, interconnection, and decades of community activism, When No Thing Works explores questions like: As we stand at a threshold of collective change, what leaps must we make? How can we push through discord and polarization and meet these critical changepoints collectively? What practices, strategies, and spiritualities can align to vision a sustainable future for our communities and descendents? How can we step out of urgency to tend to our crises with wisdom, intention, and care? With wise and witty prose that wanders and turns, guides and reveals, Zen master and Indigenous Hawaiian leader Rōshi Norma Wong's meditation holds our collective moment with gravity and tender care. She asks us to not only imagine but to live into a story beyond crisis and collapse--one that expands to meet our dreams of what (we hope) comes next, while facing with clarity and grace our here and now in the world we share today.
About the Author
Norma Wong, a life-long resident of Hawaiʻi, is a descendant of Native Hawaiians and Hakka Chinese immigrants. She has decades of experience in organizing, policy, strategy, and politics in Hawaiʻi, particularly in the area of Native Hawaiian issues, serving in the Hawaii State Legislature and as a policy lead and negotiator for Governor John Waiheʻe, Hawaiʻi's first Native governor. Norma began her spiritual practice at the same time as her political life unfolded. These days, it is the intertwined application of Zen practice and an indigenous worldview that Norma brings to provoke practical inquiry and redirect work. She is a thought partner, a strategist, and a teacher.
42nd Street
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Old Regret
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before.
Lucky Brandy
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
ELLerG!c
With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Mr. 44
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. 🌌 Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. 🎧✨ Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Shy Warrior
Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
BlacKitten
🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Dark Horse
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. 🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚
Mindless Bobcat
💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Forger
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Dandelion
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
ByteBard
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Prez Dog
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts.
DeathDancer
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖
ThermalMode
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! 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!
Y0dler
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Lunar Treat
The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied. 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.
Bourbon Mirage
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
GoldTouch
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape.
Woodland Beauty
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
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