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.
MicroStar
Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
MicroStar
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Trash Pocky
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
360
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. 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.
Breezy Mustang
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Eight Patrol
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Stealth
I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
LifeRobber
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
Flotsams54
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Curio
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
42nd Street
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively.
Breadmaker
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Sly Silvermoon
With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
WordWanderer
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Hightower
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Polar Bee
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Carrot Joker
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Dr. Cocktail
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
ZenaCake
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Highway
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
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