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
FLAK Angel
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Vortex
⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Succubus In Training
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze!
Metal Lady
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! 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.
Wings
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨
SunVolt
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments.
Ex0tic
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! 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. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Eye Candy Kitten
🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 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. 🌟🎧 ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
HedgeH0g2
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Venom Petunia
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Devil Bread
No more interruptions – the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
MysticMingle
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. 🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Snow Hound
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Voodoo Cyclone
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Freesia
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Ozzie Treat
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Mule Lock
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 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 was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Chip Queen
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
CirrusFlash
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
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