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.
Apex
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Divine Bramble
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Automatic Slicer
Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Super Flick
Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Cross Thread
This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Metal Lady
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. 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. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Sloth
This app has reignited my passion for literature – I'm devouring books like never before. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Mental
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Mad Irishman
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Sultan of Speed
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks – this app has converted me! The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Swedish Pixie
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Sweetness
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Roller Girl
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Roadblock
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖 I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Station WMD
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Homerun Diva
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳
Silent
I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Bad Beh8vior
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Soda Delirium
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
Slinger
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
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