Book description
Lindsey Stewart's The Conjuring of America is a dazzling tour-de-force through a hidden history that sits at the very heart of our culture. From the humble sachets of Vicks VapoRub to the glittering gowns of Disney's The Little Mermaid, the book unspools the ways Black women have infused everyday life with a kind of practical sorcery-conjure-that has shaped medicine, food, fashion, and faith for four centuries.
What makes Stewart's narrative so compelling is her ability to weave scholarly rigor with an engaging, almost conversational tone. She draws on primary sources-from plantation journals and slave narratives-to the oral histories of modern practitioners like Granny Midwives and Candy Ladies, creating a living continuum that feels both ancient and immediate. The author deftly shows how these women combined West African spiritual traditions with local herbal knowledge to create remedies that were not only healing but also acts of resistance against an oppressive system.
The book is peppered with vivid anecdotes: the way enslaved conjure women used moonlit rituals to protect families, or how textile weavers embedded protective charms into garments that would later become part of America's denim heritage. Stewart doesn't shy away from the darker moments-Jim Crow's brutality, for instance-but she frames them as contexts in which these magical practices grew even more vital.
For readers who love history that feels alive and relevant, The Conjuring of America is a revelation. It reminds us that our everyday comforts often have roots in stories of survival, creativity, and fierce love. Stewart writes with the warmth of a storyteller and the precision of a scholar, making this book both an enlightening education and an invitation to see the world through a lens of wonder. If you're looking for a nonfiction work that is as engaging as it is eye-opening, this is the one to pick up.
Mafia Rapunzel
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
ThoughtTraveler
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
Pepper Legs
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. 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.
Thrasher
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. 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!
Boost
I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Petite Flurry
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. 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!
Treasure Devil
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Onion King
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
Snowflake Pixie
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
RightN0w2
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Cool Law Topping
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
McDreamy
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. 👩🍳 Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories – this app adds flavor to my meals! 🍳🎧 The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. 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!
Casanova
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores.
Mantis Queen
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Sugar Domino
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
QuestQuill
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. 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. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Sass Burst
📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
BlackExcalibur
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Twine X
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! No more hassle with converting files – ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Chasm Face
💼 Workday blues? Not anymore – this app turns my office hours into reading time! 💻📖 Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
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