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.
Trash
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before.
Houston Rocket
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Omega Sub
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. 🎉 My audiobook haven – this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! 📚🔑 ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Hidden Tree
ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable.
QuestQuill
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Evil Smith
Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Sassy Muffin
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ⏰ Maximizing my time with efficient features – this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. 📚⏳ Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Freaky Ratbuster
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Star Jammer
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Raid Bucker
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 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! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Sepukku
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. 🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳 The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Classy Dancer
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱
Springheel Jack
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. 🌌 Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. 🎧✨ Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Star Scratch
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
Emerald Vine
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Nueva Nova
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Mud Finger
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Spit Turanga
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Pockets
🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Mallow Man
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. 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.
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