Book description
Why I Am Not a Bus Driver is a moving and musical debut collection exploring grief, love and the power of community, from the author of The 392, Your Show and Wild East (Mal Peet Award, Carnegie Medal for Writing Nomination). The heart of this book beats in sync with that of the poet's late grandfather, as, sonnet after unconventional sonnet, Hickson-Lovence uncovers the micro-histories woven into the streets and journeys that shape us. These poems speak with Frank O'Hara, in their stream-of-consciousness lyricism, in meditations that dance like winding roads, both immediate and nostalgic. Committed to honouring the authentic and everyday, the real and true, human connection is the destination in this stirring collection, and every reader has a priority seat."Why I Am Not A Bus Driver is a moving collection attuned to the knowledge that poetry of the family is both plain and complex, that the dead sometimes require elegy and sometimes celebration; and all of this held within the strength and uncertainty that is the human-made body of the poem." Andrew McMillan "A heartfelt elegy to a grandfather, skilfully weaving themes of legacy, promises, influences and dreams. While the grandfather takes centre stage, England itself emerges as a powerful backdrop to the story. Hickson-Lovence's unified themes lend the book the feel of a novel-in-verse, yet each poem resonates with its own emotional strength. An endearing and enlightening read-don't miss it." Roger Robinson "Ashley Hickson-Lovence's debut collection offers an intricate reminiscence, an insight into fierce familial bonds and how they shape a life indefinitely. These poems pulse with longing, vulnerability and doubt, highlighting the human need for connection, the resilience that grows from loss, the certainty that comes when the love unfolds." Rebecca Goss"Among the most natural, elegant sonnet sequences I've read: a memorial, moving in its radical honesty and grace. What both broke and strengthened my heart about this collection is the sheer humanity and authentic curiosity that make a life feel meaningful, transfiguring both the extraordinary and the everyday with dignity, love and imagination. Just gorgeous." Luke Kennard
LunaStar
I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with it—the narration was fine, and the story was okay—but nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Flash Protein
Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
WittyWordsmith
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
Sprinkle Lovenuts
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day.
Kamikaze Granny
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
The Howling Swede
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! 🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
High Kingdom Warrior
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Homerun Diva
This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. 🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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.
Sylvester Eye
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Jetta Talent
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Bourbon Mirage
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done!
Moon Peaches
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Ladybird
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape.
Hidden Tree
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏 ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used.
Stacker of Wheat
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Mr. 44
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
CodeExia
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout.
The Shield Toronto
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Roadblock
Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
Mr. Alien
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
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