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.
BuzzBait
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Shady Prairie
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Doll Champagne
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
WeldMaster
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Flint
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Jersey
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Skittle Mine
No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Virgo Moon
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever.
Skirble
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Feral Cookie
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
Tse Tse Guy
ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
DreamDasher
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§ ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Voluntary
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise.
Howitzer Rise
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
Wings
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
Bug Blitz
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
RealmRanger
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
SunnySnap
I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Cross Thread
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done!
Bruh
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this 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