Book description
An impassioned homage to the divas who shake up our world and transform it with their bold, dazzling artistry. What does it mean to be a "diva"? A shifting, increasingly loaded term, it has been used to both deride and celebrate charismatic and unapologetically fierce performers like Aretha Franklin, Divine, and the women of Labelle. In this brilliant, powerful blend of incisive criticism and electric memoir, Deborah Paredez-scholar, cultural critic, and lifelong diva devotee-unravels our enduring fascination with these icons and explores how divas have challenged American ideas about feminism, performance, and freedom. American Diva journeys into Tina Turner's scintillating performances, Celia Cruz's command of the male-dominated salsa world, the transcendent revival of Jomama Jones after a period of exile, and the unparalleled excellence of Venus and Serena Williams. Recounting how she and her mother endlessly watched Rita Moreno's powerhouse portrayal of Anita in West Side Story and how she learned much about being bigger than life from her fabulous Tía Lucia, Paredez chronicles the celebrated and skilled performers who not only shaped her life but boldly expressed the aspiration for freedom among brown, Black, and gay communities. Paredez also traces the evolution of the diva through the decades, dismayed at the mid-aughts' commodification and juvenilizing of its meaning but finding its lasting beauty and power. Filled with sharp insights and great heart, American Diva is a spirited tribute to the power of performance and the joys of fandom.
xFRST
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. 📚 The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. 📱📖
Kevlar Wanted
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Mad Kid
I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic!
Hairpin
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. 📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧
RoarSweetie
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Silver Cup
🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 🎧 Carrying a world of literature in my headphones – this app's convenience is truly remarkable. 📚💫 Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Aqua Diva
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Lope Lope
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app.
Blade
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze – thank you, app developers! The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
Kevlar Wanted
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Thunder Tank
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊
Dangle
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
LuminaLore
ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Mr. Thanksgiving
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. 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.
Clover Rabbit
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. 🌟🎧 This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments.
BlacKitten
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Toolmaker
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
King Bass
🌟 This app is a game-changer – its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. 🎉🎧 Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. 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!
Junkyard Dog
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. 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! This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Uluru Walker
🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
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