Book description
In this powerful memoir, following the death of his mother, Tyson Motsenbocker retraces the journey an 18th century priest took in this harrowing story of one man's pilgrimage of healing and finding beauty and hope in tragedy. After years on the road performing at sold-out venues, Tyson Motsenbocker returned home to the impending death of his 57-year-old hero and mother. He begged God to heal her, but she died anyway. When they buried her body, Tyson also buried the childhood version of his faith. Shortly before her death, however, Tyson became intrigued by the complicated legacy of Father Junipero Serra, the 18th-century Franciscan monk and canonized saint who dedicated his life to the idea that tragedy and suffering are portals to renewal. Father Serra built Missions up and down the California coast, spreading Christianity, as well as enabling and aiding in the oppression and colonization of the native Californians. Tyson discovered Serra's "El Camino Real," a 600-mile pilgrimage route up the California coast that had been largely forgotten for more than 200 years. Two days after they buried his mother, Tyson set out on a pilgrimage of sorts, intending to walk from San Diego to San Francisco along the El Camino, following in the footsteps of the saint. Tyson's journey takes him down smog-choked highways, across fog-laden beaches, past multi-million-dollar coastal estates, and along the towering cliffs of Big Sur. And as he walks, Tyson also wrestles with his faith, questioning the pat answers and easy prayers he once readily accepted, trying to understand how hope and tragedy can all be wrapped up in the same God. The people he meets along the way challenge his understanding of the meaning of security, of what it means to live a meaningful life, and of the legacies we all leave behind. Where the Waves Turn Back is both part journal and part spiritual memoir, and ultimately, a thrilling and deeply satisfying read that asks questions that will resonate with readers seeking meaning in an utterly disorienting age.
Acetic Princess
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Cabbie
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Marine Dre
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Dahlia Bumble
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨
Frosty Squid
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Loot
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Maple Destroyer
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨ I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Rusty Vortex
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! 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!
Wanted Candy
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« 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 Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. 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!
Devil Chick
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Ba1t
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Twister Hero
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Nueva Nova
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Mr. Gadget
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze.
Round Kick Boomer
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
Goatee Shield
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app.
Nice Gnome
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Tall Sally
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Sβmore Vixen
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Darkside Orbit
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
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