Book description
On a White Night in 2019, prima ballerina Natalia Leonova returns to St. Petersburg two years after a devastating accident that stalled her career. Once the most celebrated dancer of her generation, she now turns to pills and alcohol to numb the pain of her past. She is unmoored in her old city as the ghosts of her former life begin to resurface: her loving but difficult mother, her absentee father, and the two gifted dancers who led to her downfall. One of those dancers, Alexander, is the love of her life, who transformed both Natalia and her art. The other is Dmitri, a dark and treacherous genius. When the latter offers her a chance to return to the stage in her signature role, Natalia must decide whether she can again face the people responsible for both her soaring highs and darkest hours. Painting a vivid portrait of the Russian ballet world, where cutthroat ambition, ever-shifting politics, and sublime artistry collide, City of Night Birds unveils the making of a dancer with both profound intimacy and breathtaking scope. Mysterious and alluring, passionate and virtuosic, Juhea Kim's second novel is an affecting meditation on love, forgiveness, and the making of an artist in a turbulent world.Review"Riveting. . . . Kim weaves in plot threads involving the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the tabloid press, and celebrity parties, as well as complications related to various expressions of sexual desire to show that no form of art can exist separately from the complexity of life. . . . Another brilliant page-turner from Kim . . . .Written in sumptuous prose, Kim's novel is a feast for the senses." -Kirkus Reviews ★ (starred review) "Shimmering, seductive characters dance across the pages of City of Night Birds, immersing you in the world of a prima ballerina fulfilling her most beautiful and terrible ambitions. In this absorbing and passionate novel, Juhea Kim writes with fierce emotional intelligence about the darkness and desire that drive art and love, asking, What does it take to live a life beyond your wildest dreams?" -Meng Jin, author of Self-Portrait with Ghost and Little Gods "An ecstatic künstlerroman-meticulously researched, brutally frank, and deliciously glamorous, City of Night Birds enraptures as thoroughly as the ballerina at its beating heart. The artistry possessed by this novel's sublimely gifted heroine is rivaled only by that of her author. Brava, Juhea Kim!" -Rachel Lyon, author of Fruit of the Dead and Self-Portrait with Boy "A beautifully crafted must read. City of Night Birds is a book that lingers long after the final pages have come and gone." -Jason Mott, National Book Award-winning author of Hell of a BookAbout the AuthorJuhea Kim is the author of the novel Beasts of a Little Land, which was a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and winner of the Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award, Russia's largest annual prize in literature. Beasts of a Little Land has been published around the world and is being adapted into a TV series. Kim is a graduate of Princeton University. Her writing has been published in Granta, the Times Literary Supplement, the Independent, Zyzzyva, Guernica, and other outlets. Born in Korea and raised in Portland, Oregon, Kim now lives in London.
Knuckles
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
Arsenic Coo
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Scratch Man
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Dance Cannon
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Wild Tesla
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
Milan Call Back
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Duchess
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
MindfulMingle
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. 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. 📚🔊
Troubled Chick
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Tin Fox
An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Wiccan Trouble
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps.
The Flying Mouse
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. 🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Darkside Orbit
I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life.
GiddeeUP
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
NecroBull
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Rando Tank
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
TeederSmartie
Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! 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.
Nola
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. 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!
K-9
The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Crumb Cake
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
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