Book description
If you've ever felt the pull of diaspora-the ache of roots in two continents, the rhythm of a language that carries both history and hope-then Anthony Joseph's Precious & Impossible isn't just a book; it's a conversation waiting to happen. And the audiobook? It's like hearing the poet himself lean in, voice warm and steady, making every line feel spoken directly to you.
Joseph, a T.S. Eliot Prize winner, gathers thirty years of poetry and lyrics here-work that's both a faithful heir to Africa's deep currents and a bold, playful rebel in the modern world. As Ali Alizadeh put it perfectly: he's "haunted by Africa's past" yet "amused by the possibilities of the future." That duality hums through every page, and now, through his own voice.
Listening to him read these poems is transformative. You don't just hear the words-you feel the pulse of them. The way he pauses on "precious" in one line, then lets "impossible" linger like a question in the next-it's intimate, urgent, alive. The collection spans decades, yet it never feels scattered. Instead, it builds like a conversation across time, stitching together love, loss, migration, and the stubborn joy of survival.
Lauri Scheyer's introduction sets the stage beautifully, but Joseph's voice is the true guide. You hear the weight of history in lines like "We are the children of the ship that never made port," and then the lightness in "Dance with the ghosts, they know the steps." He's not just writing about the diaspora-he's living it, breathing it, in a way that makes you feel less alone in your own story.
This isn't just poetry you read. It's poetry you experience. The rhythm of his speech-sometimes slow, deliberate, sometimes spilling over with urgency-becomes part of the meaning. You'll catch yourself leaning in, nodding, even whispering along. It's the rare audiobook that makes you feel like you've been given a secret, then handed a key to open it wider.
For anyone who's ever wondered what it means to belong to a place, to a people, to a future still being written: this is your invitation. Joseph doesn't offer easy answers. He offers truth, sharp and tender, delivered like a friend sharing a late-night thought. Precious & Impossible isn't just a collection-it's a compass. And listening to it? It's the most human kind of homecoming. Don't just read it. Hear it.
Pecan Oblivion
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Mrs. Voltage
No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Gumby Train
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Spoiler
πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation.
StormCake
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Metal Lady
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Spit Turanga
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§
Airport Hobo
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
MuseMaster
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
Sienna Princess
π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Nueva Nova
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination.
Stud Buster
πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ 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.
Stacker of Wheat
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Blister
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
CirrusFlash
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
WordWanderer
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail.
B@d B0y
Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Silver Cup
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Subzero Taffy
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket.
Snapple Whistler
Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving.
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