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 BeyoncΓ© 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
Burn
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer.
Saturnalia
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Opulent Gamer
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
The Howling Swede
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
ReiGnZ
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Boost Princess
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Raggedy Ann
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Coma Stalk
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Twiddle Twix
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. 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!
Danger Menace
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Spitfire
Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
ManBreaker
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ
Father Abbot
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Red Heroine
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§ Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Plum Moon
ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance!
Sylvester Eye
With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
Twine X
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Jester
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Force
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Plenty Orange
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
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