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.
RawSkills
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Indigo Red
With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§ Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π± The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
ShadowFax
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§
Serendipity
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Fl00d
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WanderWord
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Overrun
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Tweety
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Crazy Eights
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive.
BuzzMouse
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips.
Dance Cannon
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
VileHero
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Sugar Man
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Rook
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Mint Ness
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Queen Ginger
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
Demo Tequila
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Free Ham
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π
Stud Buster
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature!
Mirage
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading.
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