Book description
Imagine hearing poetry that doesn't just speak to you, but unfurls around you. That's the magic of Safa Khatib's A Dress of Locusts as an audiobook. This isn't just a reading; it's an immersion into a living, breathing tapestry woven from Aramaic whispers, Spanish cadences, Ancient Greek echoes, Sumerian fragments, and Arabic resonance. As Safia Elhillo so perfectly put it, Khatib's words "open my eyes, sharpen my ears"-and that's especially true when you hear them spoken. The layered languages, often lost on the page, gain a startling, palpable depth in the voice, each tongue adding a new shade to the meaning.
Niki Herd calls Khatib's work "meditative clarity" that "calls us to account" for looking away from the "historic now." The audiobook amplifies this urgency. You don't just read about the "thresholds between the 'old' and the 'new'"; you feel them shift in your ears as the poet moves fluidly between languages and eras. The living and dead, as the book describes, "sing back and forth"-and in audio, that dialogue feels immediate, intimate, almost like a conversation happening in the quiet space beside you. You hear the weight of history, the urgency of revolution, not as abstract concepts, but as a song cycle that resonates in your bones.
This is an electrifying debut, and the audio format is its perfect vessel. The rhythm of the poems, the careful pacing, the way the multilingual threads interweave-these elements are meant to be heard. You'll catch the Sumerian fragments shimmering beneath the Arabic, the Spanish sighs weaving through the Greek, creating a soundscape that's both ancient and urgently contemporary. It's not merely a collection; it's a call to listen deeply, to turn your attention to the histories we've ignored, the voices we've silenced, and the ways language itself is a site of both resistance and renewal.
As the Poetry Book Society rightly declared, this is "essential reading." But listening to it? That's transformative. Khatib doesn't just write about the thresholds; she guides you across them, one spoken word, one resonant language at a time. You'll find yourself pausing the audiobook, just to sit with the echo of a phrase, to let a Sumerian syllable settle in your mind. It's a profound, necessary experience-a reminder of how language, when wielded with such clarity and courage, can truly change the way we see the world. An unforgettable journey, beautifully rendered for the ear.
Twinkle Cutlass
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey.
Tootsie Killer
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's design is user-centric.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption.
Charms
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Saturnalia
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Electric Saturn
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Runway Darling
I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end. 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.
Foot-long Fry
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless.
ChatterChampion
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. 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.
Cupid Dust
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True Sweetness
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
StarZen
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
Screwtape
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Goldman
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. 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. ππ§ The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. 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!
HighBomber
π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Y0dler
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Instant Star
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly.
Doughboy, Esq
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
Insane SweepKick
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ByteBard
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§
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