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.
Centurion Sherman
Audiobooks have never been this engaging โ this app takes them to the next level. Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's functionality is a game-changer. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces โ this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. ๐ฑ๐
Hog Butcher
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. ๐ฑ๐ Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Noise Toy
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient โ no more complicated processes. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Flyswat Briggs
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling โ all thanks to this app. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Pink Hopper
This app is a true gift for book lovers โ it's like having a personal library wherever I go. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use โ it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ๐๐ฑ
Morbid Angel
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. ๐๐ง I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy.
Miss Nova
๐๏ธ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn โ I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ๐๐ ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ No more converting files โ this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
RedFeet
The family subscription option is a money-saver โ everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments โ I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! 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 featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Grabber
This app is my travel companion โ making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. ๐๏ธ๐ง Packing for vacation just got better โ this app is my getaway entertainment! ๐ด๐ The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve 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! Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iโll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Tough Nut
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! ๐ช Doubling the impact of my workouts โ exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! ๐ช๐ง I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Stick Shift
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
ByteBard
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Stallion Patton
๐งโโ๏ธโ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! ๐ต๐ ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length โ I'm in! One of the best audiobooks Iโve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorโs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youโre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Darkside Isis
This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. ๐ Say goodbye to boredom during long drives โ this app makes road trips fly by! ๐๐ I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy.
Hella Fella
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
SneakerKid
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime โ I'm truly grateful. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! The app is so reliable. Iโve never had any issues with it.
RetroMirage
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobook multitasking made simple โ this app's design is a game-changer. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Dangle
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines โ it's pure bliss.
Trash Master
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Marine Dre
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. ๐ Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores โ pure joy! ๐๐
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