Book description
Bette Midler today is a beloved legacy star, best known for her comic witch in Disney's Hocus Pocus (1993) and its 2022 sequel. She has also gained prominence for sentimental, anthemic ballads like "Wind Beneath My Wings," her initiation of green space projects in New York City, and tussling with Donald Trump on Twitter. Her profile is that of an articulate, civic-minded matriarch enjoying thoroughly mainstream stardom. But more than fifty years earlier she emerged from the steam of the subterranean Continental Baths as the Divine Miss M, the bawdy, campy, fearless alter ego she created in front of an audience of towel-clad gay men who came to the baths seeking not just sex, but a sense of community and safety from an often-harrowing outside world. "I was able to take chances on that stage that I could not have taken anywhere else," she later wrote. "Ironically, I was freed from fear by people who, at the time, were ruled by fear. And for that I will always be grateful." Overnight, Bette Midler became a much-loved icon of the gay community. The Divine Miss M coalesced gay, Jewish, feminist, and show business sensibilities into an outrageously funny and emotionally compelling persona that travelled with surprising ease from the cultural margins to the entertainment mainstream. Her embrace by mom-and-pop audiences, rock fans and critics, and the guardians of middle-of-the-road show business demonstrates just how deeply the tastes and sensibilities of her original audience have been absorbed into popular culture. On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide traces the early development of Midler's performing ethos from New York's downtown experimental theater scene and examines her impact across media, with chapters on the soaring highs (and occasional cringe-worthy lows) of her stage work, movies, recordings, and television appearances, and considers her influence as an environmental activist and social media presence. On Bette Midler features performance analysis and deeply researched background information, all of it supporting informed--and divinely opinionated--consideration of Midler the artist. It judges her work by the highest standards: those she established for herself.
FireBerry
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Tweety
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Crossing Guard
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Black Hole Necromancer
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Steel Solstice
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Leaf Assassin
ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
White Snare
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story.
Mauve Cactus
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
MysticMingle
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze.
Jelly Camber
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Coldy
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials.
Evil Smith
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
SmartieQuest
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Scuffs
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Jetta Talent
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Hoboken Nightingale
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Troubadour
This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
QuestWeaver
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes!
Killer Curio
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ
360
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
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