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.
Deano
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles!
PepperBurst
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π
Dark Matter
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Poppin Loot
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Iβm 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!
Saber-RED
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Bad Bond
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. 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. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
California Goddess
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
RoarSweetie
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Nola
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Iβm 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!
DreadSherX
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Fatsy Bear
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Fadey
Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Burn
The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
QuestQuill
I'm grateful for this app β it's made reading a part of my everyday life. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Wildcat Appaloosa
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Legacy
β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
CyberScribe
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything!
Skylark
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Woodland Beauty
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
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