Book description
A The Millions and Hyperallergic Most Anticipated Book of 2024 A Publishers Weekly Summer Reads Pick"Simon Wu manages to be both a shrewd critic and enthused aspirant of what passes for today's cultural capital. . . . with a disarming lack of cynicism that is both keen and refreshing." -Cathy Park Hong"A genius melding of art criticism, autobiography, personal essay, and travel writing. . . . Wu--an artist, curator, and writer--layers experiences like translucent curtains through which we see the landscape of a past in the present making its future." -Claudia RankineAn expansive and deeply personal essay collection which explores the aesthetics of class aspiration, the complications of creating art and fashion, and the limits of identity politics.In Robyn's 2010 track Dancing on My Own, the Swedish pop-singer chronicles a night on the dance floor in the shadow of a former lover. She is bitter, angry, and at times desperate, and yet by the time the chorus arrives her frustration has melted away. She decides to dance on her own, and in this way, she transforms her solitude into a more complex joy. Taking inspiration from Robyn's seminal track, emerging art critic and curator Simon Wu dances through the institutions of art, capitalism, and identity in these expertly researched, beautifully rendered essays. In "A Model Childhood" he catalogs the decades' worth of clutter in his mother's suburban garage and its meaning for himself and his family. In "For Everyone," Wu explores the complicated sensation of the Telfar bag (often referred to as "the Brooklyn Birkin") and asks whether fashion can truly be revolutionary in a capitalist system--if something can truly be "for everyone" without undercutting someone else. Throughout, Wu centers the sticky vulnerability of living in a body in a world where history is mapped into every choice we make, every party drug we take, and every person we kiss.Wu's message is that to dance on your own is to move from critique into joy. To approach identity with the utmost sympathy for the kinds of belonging it might promise, and to look beyond it. For readers of Cathy Park Hong and Alexander Chee, Dancing on My Own is a deeply felt and ultimately triumphant anthem about the never-ending journey of discovering oneself, and introduces a brilliant new writer on the rise.
About the Author
Simon Wu is a curator and writer involved in collaborative art production and research. He has organized exhibitions and programs at David Zwirner, The Kitchen, MoMA, and the Brooklyn Museum, among other venues. In 2021 he was awarded an Andy Warhol Foundation Art Writers Grant and was featured in Cultured magazine's 2021 Young Curators series. He was a Helena Rubinstein Curatorial Fellow at the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program and is currently in the PhD program in History of Art at Yale University. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut, and Brooklyn, New York.
Trigger Warming
Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Polar Bee
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ«
PP Dubs
The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Widow Curio
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
WordWanderer
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch.
Esquire
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Tornado Maker
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Lightweight
π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Gas Man
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
ThreadTrail
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Demo Tequila
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Lady In Red
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! π±π Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Daffy Neo
πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Are Ess Tee
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Classy Luck
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Wildcat Appaloosa
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide.
Gothic Gucci
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone.
Mother Hen
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Popeye Wipeout
π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
RawSkills
Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
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