Book description
Two-time Lambda Literary Award-winning author Ann McMan introduces readers to a spinster postal investigator for the Winston-Salem Dead Letter Office who finds herself enmeshed in the mystery of solving who is sending undeliverable love letters to the town's 18th-century hortus medicus. The year is 1960, and Gunsmoke is the most popular show on TV. Elvis Presley tops the Billboard charts, and a charismatic young senator named John F. Kennedy is running for president. And, in North Carolina, four young Black men sit down at a Woolworth's lunch counter and demand service. Enter Esther Jane (EJ) Cloud, a forty-something spinster who manages the Dead Letter Office at the Winston-Salem post office. EJ leads a quiet life in her Old Salem ancestral home and spends her free time volunteering in the town's 18th-century medicinal garden. One sunny Spring morning, EJ's world is turned upside down when she is handed a stack of handwritten letters that have all been addressed to a nonexistent person at the garden. This simple act sets in motion a chain of events that will lead EJ on a life-altering quest to uncover the identity of the mysterious letter writer--and into a surprising, head-on confrontation with the harsh realities of the racial injustice that is as deeply rooted in the life of her community as the ancient herbs cultivated in the Moravian garden. When EJ is forced to read the letters to look for clues about the anonymous sender, what she discovers are lyrical tales of a forbidden passion that threaten to unravel the simple contours of her unexamined life. EJ's official quest soon morphs into a journey of self-discovery. Her surprising accomplice on this quest becomes a savvy, street-smart ten-year-old wielding an eye patch and a limitless supply of aphorisms. Together, the unlikely duo makes pilgrimages to a tiny town called Paradise to try and crack the case--while ultimately learning better ways to navigate the changing world around them.Short-listed for the 2023 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Mystery.Included in Shelf Unbound's 100 Top Notable Indie Titles of 2022.Included in Autostraddle's list of 92 of the Best Queer Books of 2022.Included in Out in Print's Favorite Books of 2022.
Bae
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Icy Avenger
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Indigo Red
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Overrun
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Pixie Soldier
π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨ ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Blinker
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Twix Esses
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions.
Zero Charisma
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. 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§
RDTN
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time.
D-Hog-Day
I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
RedFeet
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§ I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem!
Toy Town
Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Winter Bite
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Guncap Slingbad
I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Badger the Burglar
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Flint Cast-Iron
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Senior Smurf
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation.
MysticMingle
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ
Slacker Cat
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Fatsy Bear
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful 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