Book description
Poetry Book Society Recommendation Spring 2025darling slough,i love you like rain.graveyard with no tombstones.adventure playground some childrenplay on, others lie underneath. i can't walk through the newbuildswithout hearing the men i lovedbleating inside you. The debut poetry collection from award-winning writer and spoken word artist, Desree, Altar explores multifaceted dimensions of sacrifice, challenging its heroism and examining its ties to servility. The poems in Altar urge their protagonists to play neither lion nor lamb, but to live and flourish on their own terms. Each page glimmers with vivid, often devastating vignettes: we witness the resilience of youth, the strength of the Black female body, the complexity of chosen and unchosen family, the sweeping effects of gentrification. Through reflections on Black British identity, queer joy, place and belonging, faith and consent, Desree invites the reader on a journey of reclamation, while her wry wit and disarming tenderness hold us through the necessary storms that mark the way."Altar is a collection of wonder and witness. These poems - both powerful and tender - grapple with the parallels of life and death, the body and spirit, loss and love, and demand a response." Rachel Long "This is thrilling writing. Unexpected, alive, and curious. Desree enters the page, stage left." Joelle Taylor "Altar has so much of what I love about poetry. Masterful juxtapositions, humour and surrealism; epiphanies that shift your world a few inches to the left - enough for you to notice but still function. For those of us who wonder if we've been 'turned off at the wall', Desree's poems act as a hallway: we drop off selves we didn't realise we were carrying, and return, new and re-accepted into our own arms. Desree is one of the brightest of us, and Altar allows us to take in her genius." Kareem Parkins-Brown
Trash Pocky
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
DreamDasher
The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Athena Star
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Delirious Supernova
Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Pearl Girl
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me!
Zero Corn
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories.
Roadblock
📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Feral Cookie
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature.
Skylark
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
NexusNavigator
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Lady Petal
🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 🎧 Carrying a world of literature in my headphones – this app's convenience is truly remarkable. 📚💫 ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Bazooka Har-de-har
As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Queen Ginger
Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Emerald Goddess
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Fl00d
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
Reno Monarch
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Demand Chopper
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! 🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥
Orange Teflon
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Killer Curio
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. 🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Howitzer Rise
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
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