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.
Fadey
My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Marbles
My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Ice
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Green Scavenger
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph.
NecroBull
Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Honey
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Gingersnap Woman
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Screwtape
🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Sleek Zelda
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
ByteBard
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. 📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
Goatee Shield
Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
High Kingdom Warrior
The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊
Nessie
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧
Zero Corn
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Girl Brownie
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧
Most Wanted
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Shady Prairie
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Insane SweepKick
🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Santa's Little Helper
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Teeder
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks.
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