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
Dorothy Solitaire
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Shade Nightman
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Nessie
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Bowler
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
TrixiePhany
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
Prez Dog
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
Doughboy, Esq
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Racy Lion
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Cool Law Topping
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. 📚👌 ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
Eye Devil
🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 🏃♂️📚 Combining fitness and fiction – this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! 🏃♂️📖 ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Gothic Slacker
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Sugar Hiccup
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening.
Omega Sub
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Mechani-Man
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
SpellTansy
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Lord Pistachio
📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Back Bett
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Murmur
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️ ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
Tin Fox
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚
Captain Peroxide
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
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