Book description
‘A darkly entertaining tale about American espionage, set in an era when Washington’s fear and skepticism about the agency resembles our climate today.’—New York TimesAt the end of World War II, the United States dominated the world militarily, economically, and in moral standing—seen as the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear—to some—that the Soviet Union was already executing a plan to expand and foment revolution around the world. The American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly-formed CIA. The Quiet Americans chronicles the exploits of four spies—Michael Burke, a charming former football star fallen on hard times, Frank Wisner, the scion of a wealthy Southern family, Peter Sichel, a sophisticated German Jew who escaped the Nazis, and Edward Lansdale, a brilliant ad executive. The four ran covert operations across the globe, trying to outwit the ruthless KGB in Berlin, parachuting commandos into Eastern Europe, plotting coups, and directing wars against Communist insurgents in Asia. But time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of stupidity and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government—and more profoundly, the decision to abandon American ideals. By the mid-1950s, the Soviet Union had a stranglehold on Eastern Europe, the US had begun its disastrous intervention in Vietnam, and America, the beacon of democracy, was overthrowing democratically elected governments and earning the hatred of much of the world. All of this culminated in an act of betrayal and cowardice that would lock the Cold War into place for decades to come.Anderson brings to the telling of this story all the narrative brio, deep research, sceptical eye, and lively prose that made Lawrence in Arabia a major international bestseller. The intertwined lives of these men began in a common purpose of defending freedom, but the ravages of the Cold War led them to different fates. Two would quit the CIA in despair, stricken by the moral compromises they had to make; one became the archetype of the duplicitous and destructive American spy; and one would be so heartbroken he would take his own life.Scott Anderson’s The Quiet Americans is the story of these four men. It is also the story of how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world.
ForumFusion
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. 📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜
RetroMirage
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
ThermalMode
ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Low Voltage
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ 🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨 Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph.
Infinite Hole
This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Whipsaw
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Firecracker
🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Journeyman
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Gro
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams!
Bad Beh8vior
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
Soiled Dove
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Santa's Little Helper
The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
Divine Bramble
Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars! 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.
Dakota Bliss
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Minty Devil
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Boo
🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊 Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Kabuki
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Tan Stallion
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Slacker Cat
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Bruh
🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
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