Book description
A singular achievement, Christina Sharpe's Ordinary Notes explores, with immense care, profound questions about loss, pain and beauty; private memory and public monument; art; complexity; and the shapes of Black life that emerge in the wake. In a series of 248 brief and urgent notes that cumulatively gather meaning, artifacts from the past - both public ones and the poignantly personal - are skilfully interwoven with present-day realities and possible futures, intricately constructing an immersive portrait of everyday Black existence.At the heart of Ordinary Notes is the indelible presence of the author's mother, Ida Wright Sharpe. 'I learned to see in my mother's house,' writes Sharpe. 'I learned how not to see in my mother's house . . . My mother gifted me a love of beauty, a love of words.' Using these gifts and other ways of seeing, a chorus of voices and experiences is summoned to the page. Sharpe practices an aesthetic of 'beauty as a method', collects entries from a community of thinkers toward a 'Dictionary of Untranslatable Blackness', and rigorously examines sites of memory and memorial. And in the process, she forges a brilliant new literary form, as multivalent as the ways of Black being it traces.'An exquisitely original celebration of American Blackness.' starred review, Kirkus'A truly unique, artful, and thought-provoking account of both the history of what it means to be Black and what is required of us today. An immense collection of necessary notes on Black existence.' Dipo Faloyin, author of Africa Is Not A Country'What incredible generosity of deep listening, what presence on the page.' Victoria Adukwei Bulley, author of Quiet'In Christina Sharpe's Ordinary Notes we find a decoding (but not an excuse) of the devaluation of Black bodies in architecture, literature, painting, photographs, exhibitions and archives of the past and also how it feels to be the object of that constant devaluation. Each precise note accruing added meaning from the last, the sum of which is much more than its parts. With the spirit of her discerning mother ever present this is essential reading for all.' Roger Robinson, author of Home is Not a Place'Ordinary Notes is like an intellectual ice climb - you move along a careful series of handholds to cross a terrain that might otherwise seem impassable, and afterward, you are amazed at the passage. At once an act of careful attention and a juxtaposition of observations and questions, the result is a powerful vision of American life, drawn from the Black intellectual history and aesthetics that Sharpe has cultivated as the means to her own liberation, so that she might offer it to others.' Alexander Chee, author of How to Write an Autobiographical Novel'Christina Sharpe is a brilliant thinker who attends unflinchingly to the brutality of our current arrangements and the violence of antiblackness and yet always finds a way to beauty and possibility. With exacting detail, she conveys the heartbreak of the imposed order and the openings that reside in the ordinary and offers a method, a poetics for refusing and exceeding the given, for sustaining life, for breaking the colonial frame, and imagining what might emerge at the end of the known world. Ordinary Notes is an exquisite text. It demands everything of the reader and, in turn, offers us a vocabulary for living.' Saidiya Hartman, author of Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments'A long regard, a movement along the possibilities, and the stillness, at the heart of thinking. In these pages, we experience continuities but not endings, and every person is asked to face their present, and to see and feel and think without innocence. Ordinary Notes will forever alter each reader who grapples with its disquiet and its beauty.' Madeleine Thien, author of Do Not Say We Have Nothing'Christina Sharpe's Ordinary Notes is an extraordinary gift to readers, gathering between its covers all manner of reading, as it explores, with formal daring and analytical aplomb, history, society, politics, and culture, particularly where and when they intersect with Black lives, including the writer's own. Among the many achievements here, these exemplary notes - which include a stirring recounting of the author's intellectual and aesthetic formation, and a tribute to motherly and familial love in the face of this country's and world's relentless brutalities - show how one might combine memoir, memorial, literary criticism, political and cultural critique, and theoretical accounting in order to imagine a new model, suffused with grace, subtlety, rigor, and care, for how to read and think with and against, which is to say, to produce true and lasting knowledge.' John Keene, author of Counternarratives'Profoundly moving. It does important work on so many levels. Sharpe's work always changes me in some way and that is the highest gift that art can give. I will refer to the individual notes in this magnificent collection for years to come.' Tessa McWatt, author of The Snow Line
Digger
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Demo Tequila
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
RealmRanger
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
RealmRanger
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise.
Mother Night
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. 🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Murder Cherry
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. 🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
Little Drunk Girl
I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Infinite Hole
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Congo Wire
Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊 Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Mother Hen
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories.
Bad Bunny
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
MysticMingle
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Miss Lucky
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Feral Filly
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
Copilot
🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧
Judge
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! 🚗📖 On-the-go listening has never been smoother – this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. 🚗📚
Ba1t
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Mr. Wholesome
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
QuantumQuill
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
New York Sixlet
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
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