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.
Wild Hair
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. 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.
D-Hog-Day
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Vortex
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. 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.
Sun Leo
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Prof. Screw
π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
Solo Kill
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable.
DeathDancer
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. 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!
CyberScribe
π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Star Scratch
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Congo Wire
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
PixelPilgrim
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! 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.
CosPlatoon
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Undergrad
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
TulipCake
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. 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!
Steel Cut Toe
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Stone Boomstick
This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
RDTN
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Lady In Red
π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Hang 11
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Mammoth 2
Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! 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!
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