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.
Poptart AK47
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. Audiobook excellence – this app's design enhances my reading experience. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊 I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Valley Guardian
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Miss Twilight
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Dark Matter
🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
InsightInkwell
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go.
Doll Champagne
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. 🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧 Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout.
Killah Goose
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks – this app has converted me! Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱
Microwave Chardonnay
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Spoiler
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Dez Bonbon
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Winter Underdog
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls.
Copilot
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
Lord Theus
📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧 The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Firedog
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Commando
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content.
Zod
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Dream Killer
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
Bad Princess
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Drop Stone
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth.
D-Hog-Day
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
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