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.
Chew Chew
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
The China Wall
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Dahlia
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Brick Mooch
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
B@d B0y
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ
Duchess
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Flyswat Briggs
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
ReiGnZ
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Stone Boomstick
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§
Turnip King
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Elder Pogue
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations.
FearLeSS
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning.
Sir Shove
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver!
Gr8 Flick
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
LoreLoomer
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. 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 and distraction-free listening.
Treasure Devil
πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Freeway
Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow.
Dark Matter
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Lava Nibbler
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
Moon Solitaire
This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π
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