Book description
NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK BY DEBUTIFUL, LIT HUB, PASTE MAGAZINE, BOOK RIOT, INSIDE HOOK, AND NYLON"This book is a rare comfort, a companion . . . Makes you say: yes, that is exactly how it is."-Torrey Peters A ferocious inquiry into art and desire, style and politics, madness and salvation, and coming of age in our volatile, image-obsessed present. You know them when you see them: mean boys take up space, wielding cruelty to claim their place in the pecking order. Some mean boys make art or music or fashion; others make memes. Mean boys stomp the runways in Milan and Paris; mean boys marched at Charlottesville. And in the eyes of critic and style expert Geoffrey Mak, mean boys are the emblem of our society: an era ravenous for novelty, always thirsting for the next edgy thing, even at our peril. In this pyrotechnic memoir-in-essays, Mak ranges widely over our landscape of paranoia, crisis, and frenetic, clickable consumption. He grants readers an inside pass to the spaces where culture was made and unmade over the past decade, from the antiseptic glare of white-walled galleries to the darkest corners of Berlin techno clubs. As the gay son of an evangelical minister, Mak fled to those spaces, hoping to join a global, influential elite. But when calamity struck, it forced Mak to confront the costs of mistaking status for belonging. Fusing personal essay and cultural critique, Mean Boys investigates exile and return, transgression and forgiveness, and the value of faith, empathy, and friendship in a world designed to make us want what is bad for us.
About the Author
Geoffrey Mak is a queer Chinese American writer whose work has appeared in the New Yorker, the Guardian, Artforum, the Nation, Art in America, Interview, Spike, Guernica, Highsnobiety, and other publications. He is cofounder of the reading and performance series Writing on Raving. Mak holds an MA in Cultural Reporting and Criticism from NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. He lives in Brooklyn.
ThoughtTracer
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Kingfisher
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Palomino Cake
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Steel
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Sweet Manhattan
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. 📚🔊 Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Emerald Goddess
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡 Audiobook immersion without complications – this app's ease of use is commendable.
QuestQuill
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. 🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. 🎉🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
FireBrang
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
AlertXis
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day.
Moxie
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
MysticMingle
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Z-Boy
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! 🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Delicious Wing
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Nickname Master
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
ManManMan
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion.
Freesia
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Girl Brownie
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏 The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
Cricket
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
Grave Scuttlebutt
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Moon Radar
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
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