Book description
The story of one man's quest to become the first person to play each of America's 100 greatest golf courses in a single year, an odyssey that brings him face to face with the gulf between his impoverished childhood in the Jim Crow South and the successful executive he became. When he set out to play each of Golf Digest's America's 100 greatest golf courses in one year, Jimmie James knew he was attempting the impossible. But then again, he'd spent his entire life defying the odds. James was born invisible. His birth certificate, long since filed away in some clerk's office in East Texas, recorded facts about him that were deemed most relevant in the late 1950s: "colored" and "illegitimate." His great-great-grandmother was enslaved, and his early life was confined by the privation and segregation of the late Jim Crow-era South. Four decades later--having put himself through an HBCU and determinedly risen through the executive ranks at ExxonMobil--he embarked on his journey to play the 100 greatest golf courses in the United States. In a single year. From the first tee at Augusta National, the distance between the world he grew up in and the world of extreme privilege to which he'd now managed to gain access was impossible to ignore. Playing from the Rough is a remarkable memoir of race, class, family, and the power of perseverance, as James braids his love of golf with reflections on the path that took him from childhood poverty to the most exclusive and opulent golf courses in America.
About the Author
Born in 1959 to a single mother of eight in Jim Crow-era Texas, Jimmie James emerged from humble beginnings, growing up in a shack without electricity or plumbing. He was the first in his family not only to graduate from high school but also to pursue and earn a college degree. He graduated from Prairie View A&M University at the top of his engineering class. In his thirty-three-year career with Exxon, James rose from an entry-level engineer to a globe-trotting executive, overseeing businesses across the world. Now retired, he splits his time between Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Kiawah Island, and enjoys golfing, travel, photography, and chess. He and his wife, Erika, have two young adult children, Jordan and Alexandra.
Pepper Prada
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. Iโd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
The China Wall
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance โ it's a must-have for any reader. ๐ก This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts โ it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ๐๐ง Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
AirportHobo XD
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. ๐๐ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks โ driving has never been this fun! ๐๐ง The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Accidental Genius
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content โ it's a real game-changer. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
ForumFlare
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. ๐ผ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation โ audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. ๐ป๐ Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ง Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ๐๐
Lope Lope
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse โ chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Toxic-oxide
I'm no longer missing out on great stories โ this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
BuffFreak
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Frosty Sunshine
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. ๐ง Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly โ this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ๐๐ The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Corny
I can't stop raving about this app โ it's like having a personal library in my pocket. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Microwave Chardonnay
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines โ it's a game-changer. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ๐๐ I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Flint
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. ๐ Dancing through chores with audiobooks โ this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! ๐ถ๐ Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnโt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
True Sweetness
๐๏ธ๐ง Escaping to paradise with a beach read โ this app is my vacation in audio form! ๐๏ธ๐ Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Woo Woo
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. This app has reignited my passion for literature โ I'm devouring books like never before. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
White Swan
ListenBookโs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Digger
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate โ it's like they know my taste perfectly! The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Paris Boost
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits โ it's a game-changer.
Petite Flurry
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection โ there's always something new to discover. Audiobook joy made simple โ this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
X-Dew
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ๐ Dancing through chores with audiobooks โ this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! ๐ถ๐ Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ๐๐ฑ ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The app never crashes. Itโs reliable and stable.
Shwatson
๐๏ธ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt โ what a game-changer! ๐๐ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
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