Book description
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST - A sweeping, genre-bending "masterpiece" (Minneapolis Star Tribune) exploring Black art, music, and culture in all their glory and complexity--from Soul Train, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncรฉ ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Dallas Morning News, Publishers Weekly "Gorgeous essays that reveal the resilience, heartbreak, and joy within Black performance."--Brit Bennett, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Vanishing Half "I was a devil in other countries, and I was a little devil in America, too." Inspired by these few words, spoken by Josephine Baker at the 1963 March on Washington, MacArthur "Genius Grant" Fellow and bestselling author Hanif Abdurraqib has written a profound and lasting reflection on how Black performance is inextricably woven into the fabric of American culture. Each moment in every performance he examines--whether it's the twenty-seven seconds in "Gimme Shelter" in which Merry Clayton wails the words "rape, murder," a schoolyard fistfight, a dance marathon, or the instant in a game of spades right after the cards are dealt--has layers of resonance in Black and white cultures, the politics of American empire, and Abdurraqib's own personal history of love, grief, and performance. Touching on Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Billy Dee Williams, the Wu-Tan Clan, Dave Chappelle, and more, Abdurraqib writes prose brimming with jubilation and pain. With care and generosity, he explains the poignancy of performances big and small, each one feeling intensely familiar and vital, both timeless and desperately urgent. Filled with sharp insight, humor, and heart, A Little Devil in America exalts the Black performance that unfolds in specific moments in time and space--from midcentury Paris to the moon, and back down again to a cramped living room in Columbus, Ohio. WINNER OF THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL AND THE GORDON BURN PRIZE - FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD AND THE PEN/DIAMONSTEIN-SPIELVOGEL AWARD ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, Time, The Boston Globe, NPR, Rolling Stone, Esquire, BuzzFeed, Thrillist, She Reads, BookRiot, BookPage, Electric Lit, The Rumpus, LitHub, Library Journal, Booklist
Forger
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Trouble Mittens
๐ผ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation โ audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. ๐ป๐ ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app โ it's a companion. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
RZRWRE
๐ Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. ๐งโจ ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Mule Skinner
Unlocking a world of literary wonders โ this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. ๐ฑ๐ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Lord Theus
๐ช Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features โ audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! ๐ผ๐ง Audiobook immersion simplified โ this app's ease of use is a true asset. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
ThreadTrail
This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience.
Crash Override
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends โ and they all love it! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
LerveDr
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic โ what a win! ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Mad Viral
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators โ they add a unique charm to each book. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
Armed Hawk
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers โ it's my go-to source for literary adventures! With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Enhancing my daily routines โ this app's design makes listening a joy. 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.
Electric Saturn
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Petite Beauty
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion.
Friday Fox
This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. Seamless audiobook integration โ this app's functionality is a true gem. The app is so reliable. Iโve never had any issues with it.
Thunder Tank
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app.
Marshmallow Treat
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle.
Classy Luck
๐ฅ Spicing up my routine with this app โ it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! โจ๐ Seamless integration of audiobooks โ this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBookโs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
CommandX
๐ง Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs โ this app has it all! ๐๐ผ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Moon Orchid
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. โญ๏ธ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! ๐งน๐ฐ ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve 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!
Purity
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education โ it's brilliant! I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile!
Mercury Reborn
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available โ there's something for everyone. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. ๐ผ Workday blues? Not anymore โ this app turns my office hours into reading time! ๐ป๐ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
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