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.
RealmRanger
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Bad Badminton
Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Sapiens
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Gentle Avenger
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation.
HOV
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. 🌟 This app is a game-changer – its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. 🎉🎧 Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. 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.
Turnip King
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Mint Ness
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Sleek Zelda
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Flotsams54
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable.
Charms
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
InsightInkwell
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Mr. Gadget
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖
Demo Tequila
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
BlackExcalibur
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Friday Ferrari
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature.
Starshine
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Reno Monarch
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes.
Cooger
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app makes each day a new adventure! 📖🚀 The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
Biscuit Meg
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. 🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Sky Herald
💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
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