Book description
"Behind You Is the Sea fearlessly confronts stereotypes about Palestinian culture, weaving a remarkable portrait of life's intricate moments, from joyous weddings to heart-wrenching funerals, from shattered hearts to hidden truths--I wept and grew alongside this family. This is a story that challenges perceptions, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the interior lives of those who call this community home. A must read novel with unforgettable characters and an unwavering, fresh voice--I couldn't put it down until the very last page! Darraj delivers an instant, necessary, and authentic classic to the cannon of Arab-American literature."--Etaf Rum, author of Evil Eye and A Woman Is No ManAn exciting debut novel that gives voice to the diverse residents of a Palestinian American community in Baltimore--from young activists in conflict with their traditional parents to the poor who clean for the rich--lives which intersect across divides of class, generation, and religion.Funny and touching, Behind You Is the Sea brings us into the homes and lives of three main families--the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars--Palestinian immigrants who've all found a different welcome in America.Their various fates and struggles cause their community dynamic to sizzle and sometimes explode: The wealthy Ammar family employs young Maysoon Baladi, whose own family struggles financially, to clean up after their spoiled teenagers. Meanwhile, Marcus Salameh confronts his father in an effort to protect his younger sister for "dishonoring" their name. Only a trip to Palestine, where Marcus experiences an unexpected and dramatic transformation, can bridge this seemingly unbridgeable divide between the two generations.Behind You Is the Sea faces stereotypes about Palestinian culture head-on and, shifting perspectives to weave a complex social fabric replete with weddings, funerals, broken hearts, and devastating secrets.
About the Author
Susan Muaddi Darraj is the author of American Book Award-winner A Curious Land and was a finalist for a Palestine Book Award. A United States Artists' Ford Fellow and past winner of the Maryland State Arts Council's Independent Artist Award, she is also the author of Farah Rocks, the first children's book series to feature a Palestinian American character. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, and teaches at Harford Community College and Johns Hopkins University.
Darkside Orbit
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Show Off
Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Vixen
πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Phoenix Tetra
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
RDTN
The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
Tall Sally
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Kamikaze Grandma
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§
Taffy Duchess
πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Zero Corn
ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. 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. π±π ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Armed Hawk
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Dakota Bliss
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. I'm grateful for this app β it's made reading a part of my everyday life. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Dez North
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
Cardinal Rebel
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata.
Liquid Death
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Pearl Girl
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 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. ππ« Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Bae
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
ThickSKN
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. 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. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments.
Bazooka Har-de-har
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Kill Switch
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Spontan8ty
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
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