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 Beyoncé 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
Lady Pomegranate
🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
RedFeet
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Chameleon
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature.
Stacker of Wheat
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational.
Gabriel Dandelion
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Squatch
I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Sun Runner
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Kamikaze Granny
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic.
360
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits – truly impressive. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
Alias Stick
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖
Twix Esses
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
LoreLoomer
Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
ThermalMode
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Digger
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
Charms
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Screwtape
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Spooky Yellowjacket
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Mad Kid
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Venious
Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Fire Queen
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
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