Book description
From the New York Times contributing opinion writer and award-winning author of Reading While Black, a riveting intergenerational account of his family's search for meaning and a place to call home in the American South For much of his life, Esau McCaulley was taught to see himself as an exception: someone who, through hard work, faith, and determination, overcame childhood poverty, anti-Black racism, and an absent father to earn a job as a university professor and a life in the middle class. This account was the one he was conditioned to give, the story America demands from Black survivors. But when tasked with preparing the eulogy at his estranged father's funeral, McCaulley, an ordained minister, was forced to reexamine his past and face the shortcomings of that narrative about his own path to prosperity. No one "escapes" poverty; it marks us. He came to see that people, even those who harmed us, are often more complicated than the roles we create for them in our imagination. The way to the promised land is not a trip from poverty to success, but the journey to finding beauty even in dark places. In searching prose, McCaulley chronicles his lifelong effort to understand the community that shaped him and the struggle they endured to make a home for their loved ones. We meet his great grandmother, Sophia, a tenant farmer born with the gift of prophecy, who scraped together a life in Jim Crow Alabama; his grandparents, the Reverend Theodore and his wife Laura May, who ran a gambling spot in their home, their complex relationship introducing him to the multifaceted nature of love; his mother, Laurie, who survived brain cancer and raised four kids alone in rough-and-tumble Northwest Huntsville; and a cast of cousins, friends, and neighbors who won small victories in a world built to swallow up Black lives. Along the way, McCaulley raises questions that implicate us all: How do we make sense of America's triumphs and misdeeds? What does each person's struggle to build a life, regardless of its outcome, teach us about what it means to be human? Where might God be found in trauma and miracle that is Black life in the American South? Written with profound honesty and compassion, How Far to the Promised Land is a weighty examination of our most pressing societal issues and the hope that keeps us alive.
Kinged
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Trash Master
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Duchess
The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
MuseMaster
π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
SunVolt
πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Ship Whip
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. 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!
Biscuit Meg
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
EchoExplorer
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
WeldMaster
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Kawaii Red
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
ThoughtTraveler
π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ 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!
Daisy Stick
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Mad Rascal
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Fire Fish
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Burst Nibbler
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
DreamDasher
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. 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!
Innocent Ghost
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Mr. 44
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Zorkle Sporkle
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. 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§ Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
HolyCombo
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
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