Book description
An enthralling literary tour-de-force that pays tribute to Detroit's legendary neighborhood, a mecca for jazz, sports, and politics, Black Bottom Saints is a powerful blend of fact and imagination reminiscent of E.L. Doctorow's classic novel Ragtime and Marlon James' Man Booker Award-winning masterpiece, A Brief History of Seven Killings.From the Great Depression through the post-World War II years, Joseph "Ziggy" Johnson, has been the pulse of Detroit's famous Black Bottom. A celebrated gossip columnist for the city's African-American newspaper, the Michigan Chronicle, he is also the emcee of one of the hottest night clubs, where he's rubbed elbows with the legendary black artists of the era, including Ethel Waters, Billy Eckstein, and Count Basie. Ziggy is also the founder and dean of the Ziggy Johnson School of Theater. But now the doyen of Black Bottom is ready to hang up his many dapper hats. As he lays dying in the black-owned-and-operated Kirkwood Hospital, Ziggy reflects on his life, the community that was the center of his world, and the remarkable people who helped shape it.Inspired by the Catholic Saints Day Books, Ziggy curates his own list of Black Bottom's venerable "52 Saints." Among them are a vulnerable Dinah Washington, a defiant Joe Louis, and a raucous Bricktop. Randall balances the stories of these larger-than-life "Saints" with local heroes who became household names, enthralling men and women whose unstoppable ambition, love of style, and faith in community made this black Midwestern neighborhood the rival of New York City's Harlem.Accompanying these "tributes" are thoughtfully paired cocktails--special drinks that capture the essence of each of Ziggy's saints--libations as strong and satisfying as Alice Randall's wholly original view of a place and time unlike any other.
Pexxious
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
WordWanderer
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Metal Star
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Scratch Man
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Fist Wizard
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly.
Risen
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
WonderWords
🎉 Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks – this app turns errands into epic quests! 🛒📖 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧 Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Mosquit-No
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Pepper Mouse
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
FireBerry
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Lady Petal
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. 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. 🏃♀️🎧 The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Stealth
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Pepper Legs
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Irish Dze
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape.
Pepper
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
ZenZone
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! 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!
NexusNavigator
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Keystone
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. 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. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Demo Zero
The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Rusty Vortex
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
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