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.
RightN0w2
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Silver Agent
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner.
Mosquit-No
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity.
Thunder Nut
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app makes each day a new adventure! 📖🚀 AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Toy Town
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 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. 🏃♀️🎧 This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
ForumFlare
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch.
Star Jammer
🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 📚 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. 📱📖 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧 Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Kamikaze Grandma
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
Tall Honey
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
Taffy Duchess
🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset.
CuriousCraft
🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
QuestQuill
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
Charms
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧
MythMaker
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Sexy
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
InsightfulInk
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used. 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!
SprkR
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
WanderWord
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Nessie Pork
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
ThreadTraveler
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. 🌌 Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking – this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! 🍲📖
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