Book description
Audiobook Review - The First Bad Man by Miranda July
Miranda July's debut novel is an audio experience that feels like stepping into a living, breathing art installation. The narrator-an unflinching, warm-voiced talent-captures the book's playful edge and its underlying tenderness with equal ease. From the opening line, you're pulled into Cheryl Glickman's meticulously ordered world: a woman who believes in romances that span centuries, who works at a women's self-defense nonprofit, and who lives alone in a house that suddenly becomes shared with her boss's twenty-year-old daughter, Clee.
The narration does more than simply read the words; it brings out July's signature blend of humor and heart. Cheryl's dry observations are delivered with a crisp timing that highlights their irony, while Clee's brash personality is rendered through a slightly sharper cadence, making her "selfish, cruel blond bombshell" feel both larger-than-life and intimately human. The dynamic between these two women-one who has built a life of routine, the other who bursts in like an unexpected storm-unfolds with a natural ebb and flow that keeps you hooked.
One of the audiobook's strongest moments is how it handles the book's "raging sexual fantasies." Rather than becoming gratuitous, the narrator treats them with subtlety and respect, allowing the listener to feel the intensity without losing the story's emotional core. The sensual scenes are interwoven seamlessly into Cheryl's internal monologue, making her journey of self-discovery both compelling and relatable.
What truly sets The First Bad Man apart is how the audio format amplifies its themes of love, transformation, and maternal bond. The narrator's tone shifts from a measured calm to an almost whispered intimacy when Cheryl confronts her deepest fears and desires. This sonic journey mirrors the book's narrative arc-from order to chaos, then back to a new equilibrium.
If you're looking for a story that is "tender, gripping, slyly hilarious," this audiobook delivers on all fronts. Miranda July proves herself not just as a filmmaker or artist but as an original voice in contemporary literature. The narration transforms her prose into something alive and immediate, making The First Bad Man an unforgettable listening experience for anyone who loves stories that challenge expectations while offering a warm, unexpected love story at their core.
Bat Magenta
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
ShadowFax
ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Manly
I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
ThoughtTracer
Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's functionality is a standout. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Demo Tequila
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner.
Mirage
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Slacker Cat
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Acetic Princess
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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! This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
RiddleRanger
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Sir Shark
The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Seal Snake
Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Jelly Camber
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened.
Black Fantastic
The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. 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!
QuestWeaver
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
ManMaker
The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Guncap Slingbad
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Mental
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Essex
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. 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 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.
DragonBlood
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner.
WanderWord
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 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