Book description
"Phenomenal.... A memoir that opens into the world, with brilliance, courage, and elegant prose.... This is a book to read, read again, and remember."--Imani Perry, New York Times bestselling author of the National Book Award winner South to America Poet and journalist Shayla Lawson follows their National Book Critics Circle finalist This Is Major with these daring and exquisitely crafted essays, where Lawson journeys across the globe, finds beauty in tumultuous times, and powerfully disrupts the constraints of race, gender, and disability. One of Esquire's Best Memoirs of 2024Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2024 by Elle, Them, Book Riot, LitHub, Stylecaster, and Chicago Review of Books In their new book, Shayla Lawson reveals how traveling can itself be a political act, when it can be a dangerous world to be Black, femme, nonbinary, and disabled. With their signature prose, at turns bold, muscular, and luminous, Shayla Lawson travels the world to explore deeper meanings held within love, time, and the self. Through encounters with a gorgeous gondolier in Venice, an ex-husband in the Netherlands, and a lost love on New Year's Eve in Mexico City, Lawson's travels bring unexpected wisdom about life in and out of love. They learn the strength of friendships and the dangers of beauty during a narrow escape in Egypt. They examine Blackness in post-dictatorship Zimbabwe, then take us on a secretive tour of Black freedom movements in Portugal. Through a deeply insightful journey, Lawson leads readers from a castle in France to a hula hoop competition in Jamaica to a traditional theater in Tokyo to a Prince concert in Minnesota and, finally, to finding liberation on a beach in Bermuda, exploring each location--and their deepest emotions--to the fullest. In the end, they discover how the trials of marriage, grief, and missed connections can lead to self-transformation and unimagined new freedoms.
About the Author
Shayla Lawson is the author of This Is Major, which was a finalist for a National Book Critics Circle Award and a LAMBDA Literary Award, as well as two poetry collections. Lawson has written for New York magazine, Salon, ESPN, and Paper, and earned fellowships from Yaddo and MacDowell. They reside in Lexington, Kentucky. They've "lived" everywhere.
Barbera Shift
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with it—the narration was fine, and the story was okay—but nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Rooster
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Granola Dove
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Sky
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. 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!
Tabasco Dracula
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Jersey
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. 🎙️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. 🎶📚 CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
ChatterChampion
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RiddleRover
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Seattle Jay
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
DreamWeaver
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. 💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app makes each day a new adventure! 📖🚀 The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
Skittle Mine
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. 🏡 Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background – talk about productivity! 🧼📖
ZenaCake
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Unleashed
Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Mafia Rapunzel
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Bambi Wings
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Kitchen
This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Miss Nova
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! 🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
Cool Whip
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Microwave
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Sleepwalker
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes!
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