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
Light Despair
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧
Poppin Loot
🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Unleashed
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. 🏃♀️📚 Running with purpose – audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. 🏃♀️🎧
Criss Cross
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Boost Princess
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers.
Freesia
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. 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! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Tangerine
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Avenge Paws
Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Renegade Slugger
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience.
LuminaLore
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Scare Stone
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Silent
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
ELLerG!c
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
White Swan
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Seal Snake
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Purity
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Thunder Nut
Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Noise Toy
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Jack Cassidy
The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
DreamDiver
Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
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