Book description
2023 One Maryland One Book Finalist Winner of the 2022 Paris Book Award for General Nonfiction New York Public Library's Best Books for Adults Shelf Awareness 2022 Best Books of the Year Kirkus Review's 2022 Best Nonfiction Books and 2022 Best Books About Black Life in America Aspire TV's Top 5 Celebrity Memoirs of 2022 "If I had two wishes, it would be that D. Watkins spend an entire book writing through the terrifying wonder of Black boyness in America, and for every human to read and share this book. I am shaken. Black Boy Smile changed my relationship to writing and me."βKiese Laymon, author of Heavy and winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal At nine years old, D. Watkins has three concerns in life: picking his dad's Lotto numbers, keeping his Nikes free of creases, and being a man. Directly in his periphery is east Baltimore, a poverty-stricken city battling the height of the crack epidemic just hours from the nation's capital. Watkins, like many boys around him, is thrust out of childhood and into a world where manhood means surviving by slinging crack on street corners and finding oneself on the right side of pistols. For thirty years, Watkins is forced to safeguard every moment of joy he experiences or risk losing himself entirely. Now, for the first time, Watkins harnesses these moments to tell the story of how he matured into the D. Watkins we know today--beloved author, college professor, editor-at-large of Salon.com, and devoted husband and father. Black Boy Smile lays bare Watkins's relationship with his father and his brotherhood with the boys around him. He shares candid recollections of early assaults on his body and mind and reveals how he coped using stoic silence disguised as manhood. His harrowing pursuit of redemption, written in his signature street style, pinpoints how generational hardship, left raw and unnurtured, breeds toxic masculinity. Watkins discovers a love for books, is admitted to two graduate programs, meets with his future wife, an attorney--and finds true freedom in fatherhood. Equally moving and liberating, Black Boy Smile is D. Watkins's love letter to Black boys in concrete cities, a daring testimony that brings to life the contradictions, fears, and hopes of boys hurdling headfirst into adulthood. Black Boy Smile is a story proving that when we acknowledge the fallacies of our past, we can uncover the path toward self-discovery. Black Boy Smile is the story of a Black boy who healed.
Roadspike
π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
QuantumQuipper
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Silver Rose
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Star Killer
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening.
Liquid Science
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Centurion Sherman
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
ZenZone
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer.
Sw00sh
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Troubadour
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Coldy
The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
Vixen
With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Mr. Lucky
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Killah Goose
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Overrun
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ
Dark Horse
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§
Opulent Gamer
Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Foot-long Fry
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
DZE
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Undergrad Split
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
Grave Digger
Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
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