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
MythMaker
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. 📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Highway
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
1st Degree
This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
101
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧
Rusty Vortex
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Cali Yacht
📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Flash Protein
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
General Broomdog
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Round Kick Boomer
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Tokyo Dream
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Alley Frog
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Lady Killer
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Feral Filly
👀📚 Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page – this app is a bedtime dream! 😴🎧 CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Infinite Hole
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Hidden Tree
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Liquid Death
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Bom Crossed
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Jungle King
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡
Shadow Chaser
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 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!
Sepukku
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
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