Book description
Sidetracks, Bei Dao's first new collection in almost fifteen years, is also the poet's first long poem and his magnum opus--the artistic culmination of a lifetime devoted to the renewal and reinvention of language. "As a poet, I am always lost," Bei Dao once said. Opening with a prologue of heavenly questions and followed by thirty-four cantos, Sidetracks travels forward and backward along the divergent paths of the poet's wandering life--from his time as a Young Pioneer in Beijing, through the years of exile living in six countries, back to the rural construction site where he worked during the Cultural Revolution, to the "sunshine tablecloth" in his kitchen in Davis, California, and his emotional visit home after a thirteen-year separation ("the mother tongue has deepened my foreignness"). All the various currents of our times rush into his lifelines, reconfigured through the "vortex of experience" and the poet's encounters with friends and strangers, artists and ghosts, as he moves from place to place, unable to return home. As the poet Michael Palmer has noted, "Bei Dao's work, in its rapid transitions, abrupt juxtapositions, and frequent recurrence to open syntax evokes the un-speakability of the exile's condition. It is a poetry of explosive convergences, of submersions and unfixed boundaries, 'amid languages.'"
About the Author
Bei Dao, (the pen name of Zhao Zhenkai) was born in Beijing in 1949. During the Cultural Revolution, he worked as a concrete mixer and blacksmith for eleven years. Forced into exile after the Tiananmen Massacre, he lived in Europe and the US until 2007, then settling in Hong Kong until, only recently, moving back to Beijing. He has been hailed as "the soul of post-Mao poetry" (Yunte Huang) and praised for his "intense lyricism" (Pankaj Mishra). Bei Dao has received numerous awards for his poetry all over the world, and founded the International Poetry Nights in Hong Kong. His photography and paintings have been exhibited in China, Hong Kong, and Japan. New Directions publishes ten of his books.
Homerun Diva
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Vermilion
Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. 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!
Apex
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Tootsie Killer
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Whistler
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱 ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
Crash Enforcer
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
ButterQuest
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Silent
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Snow Cream
ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality.
FireBerry
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Flotsams54
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Hoboken Nightingale
📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Scooby Did
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Dez North
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Sofa King
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
Firedog
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. ⏰ Starting my mornings with inspiration – audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! ☀️🎧 🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
57 Pixels
🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️ The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Trash Sling
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Bleach
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖
Copilot
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey.
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