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.
Sky
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
Stacker of Wheat
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Broomspun
Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Pixie Taze
The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Poppy Coffee
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth.
Mum Mary
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨
Hog Butcher
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Uncle Buddy
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Mr. Alien
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Burst Nibbler
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π
Sokol
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Redneck Giorgio
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized. 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!
Onion King
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Pexxious
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Spellbinder
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
RawSkills
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Shimmy Shammy
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Junkyard Dog
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout.
Prone
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Voodoo Cyclone
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
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