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.
Nola
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ
Freak
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Raid Bucker
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Indestructible Potato
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Pexxious
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible.
Sun Leo
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
DreamDiver
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Mr. Thanksgiving
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ±
Willow Dragon
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Tweety Bun Bun
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth.
Sloth
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Bleeker
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Venom Charms
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Succubus In Training
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
MeeP
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Bad Bond
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Tunez
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Muzish
π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Alley Frog
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Rando Tank
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
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