Book description
American pop music is arguably this country's greatest cultural contribution to the world, and its singular voice and virtuosity were created by a shining thread of Black women geniuses stretching back to the country's founding. This is their surprising, heartbreaking, soaring story--from "one of the generation's greatest, most insightful, most nuanced writers in pop culture" (Shea Serrano) "Sparkling . . . the overdue singing of a Black girl's song, with perfect pitch . . . delicious to read."--Oprah DailyONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, The Root, Variety, Esquire, The Guardian, Newsweek, Pitchfork, She Reads, Publishers Weekly SHORTLISTED FOR THE PORCHLIGHT BUSINESS BOOK AWARD A weave of biography, criticism, and memoir, Shine Bright is Danyel Smith's intimate history of Black women's music as the foundational story of American pop. Smith has been writing this history for more than five years. But as a music fan, and then as an essayist, editor (Vibe, Billboard), and podcast host (Black Girl Songbook), she has been living this history since she was a latchkey kid listening to "Midnight Train to Georgia" on the family stereo. Smith's detailed narrative begins with Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman who sang her poems, and continues through the stories of Mahalia Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Mariah Carey, as well as the under-considered careers of Marilyn McCoo, Deniece Williams, and Jody Watley. Shine Bright is an overdue paean to musical masters whose true stories and genius have been hidden in plain sight--and the book Danyel Smith was born to write.
Freesia
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Midnight Rider
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Fire Sass
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Sick Saurus
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. 💼 Balancing responsibilities with relaxation – audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. 💻📖 ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey.
Delicious
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
DreamWeaver
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Sly Bible
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. 🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Slacker Cat
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Snow Hound
I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
RiddleRover
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Lava Nibbler
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Classy Luck
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
Scratch
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖
StorySculptor
🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️ The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Blinker
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Coldy
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️ Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Little General
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
Delicious Cupid
🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion.
Murmur
I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Princess Dove
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion.
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