Book description
2024 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction - Longlist American Library Association Best Comics for Adults 2023 Booklist Editors' Choice: Best Graphic Novels 2023 Washington Post Book World Editors' Staff Pick 2023 The Guardian Best Graphic Novels of 2023 A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection A peaceful, independent kingdom until its annexation by the Japanese Empire in the 19th century, Okinawa was the site of the most destructive land battle of the Pacific War. Today, the archipelago is Japan's poorest prefecture and unwilling host to 75% of all US military bases in Japan. Okinawa brings together two collections of intertwined stories by the island's pre-eminent mangaka, Susumu Higa, which reflect on this difficult history and pull together traditional Okinawan spirituality, the modern-day realities of the continuing US military occupation, and the senselessness of the War. The first collection, Sword of Sand, is a ground level, unflinching look at the horrors of the Battle of Okinawa. Higa then turns an observant eye to the present-day in Mabui (Okinawan for "spirit"), where he explores how the American occupation has irreversibly changed the island prefecture, through the lens of the archipelago's indigenous spirituality and the central character of the yuta priestess. Okinawa is a harrowing document of war, but it is also a work which addresses the dreams and the needs of a people as they go forward into an uncertain future, making it essential reading for anyone interested in World War II and its effects on our lives today, as well as anyone with an interest in the people and culture of this fascinating, complicated place. Though the work is thoroughly about one specific locale, the complex relations between Okinawan and Japanese identities and loyalties, between place and history, and between humanity and violence speak beyond borders and across shores.Please note: This book is a traditional work of manga and reads back to front and right to left.
About the Author
Winner of the Japan Media Arts Grand Prize in the manga division and nominated for the Tezuka Award and the FIBD Fauve d'Or Prize for Best Album, Susumu Higa was born in Okinawa in 1953, and continues to make it his home to this day.
Danqqqqq
This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Corny
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง Walking and listening has never been this smooth โ this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ๐๏ธ๐
Mafia Rapunzel
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
RealmRanger
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ The statistics feature is a fantastic addition โ knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! ๐ฑ๐ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Ex0tic
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again โ it's a must-have app. ๐ Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. ๐งโจ ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Running through chapters has never been smoother โ the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ง CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Broomspun
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Broomspun
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
Dakota Bliss
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats โ it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey.
Doughboy, Esq
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Sass Burst
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable โ this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Bowler
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Sienna Princess
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. 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. ๐โจ
Twisty Freesia
๐๐ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's soothing voices ๐ด๐ง Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Twin Blaze
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization โ top-notch. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content โ it's a real game-changer. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback.
Kawaii Red
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itโs perfect for my listening style.
ThoughtTracer
The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
2nd Hand Joe
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ๐ 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. ๐ฑ๐ Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ๐๐ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Capital F
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier โ this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. ๐ง๐๏ธ I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
Dropkick
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly โ it's a game-changer. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition โ knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
Vortex
Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
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