Book description
An instant New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today Bestseller - AN OPRAH BOOK CLUB SELECTION - ONE OF BARACK OBAMA'S FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2021 - WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FOR FICTIONA BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: New York Times - Time - Washington Post - Oprah Daily - People - Boston Globe - BookPage - Booklist - Kirkus - Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chicago Public Library Finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel - Longlisted for the National Book Award for Fiction - Finalist for the Kirkus Prize for Fiction - Nominee for the NAACP Image Award"Epic. . . . I was just enraptured by the lineage and the story of this modern African-American family. . . . I've never read anything quite like it. It just consumed me." --Oprah WinfreyThe NAACP Image Award-winning poet makes her fiction debut with this magisterial epic--an intimate yet sweeping novel with all the luminescence and force of Homegoing; Sing, Unburied, Sing; and The Water Dancer--that chronicles the journey of one American family, from the centuries of the colonial slave trade through the Civil War to our own tumultuous era. The great scholar, W. E. B. Du Bois, once wrote about the Problem of race in America, and what he called "Double Consciousness," a sensitivity that every African American possesses in order to survive. Since childhood, Ailey Pearl Garfield has understood Du Bois's words all too well. Bearing the names of two formidable Black Americans--the revered choreographer Alvin Ailey and her great grandmother Pearl, the descendant of enslaved Georgians and tenant farmers--Ailey carries Du Bois's Problem on her shoulders.Ailey is reared in the north in the City but spends summers in the small Georgia town of Chicasetta, where her mother's family has lived since their ancestors arrived from Africa in bondage. From an early age, Ailey fights a battle for belonging that's made all the more difficult by a hovering trauma, as well as the whispers of women--her mother, Belle, her sister, Lydia, and a maternal line reaching back two centuries--that urge Ailey to succeed in their stead.To come to terms with her own identity, Ailey embarks on a journey through her family's past, uncovering the shocking tales of generations of ancestors--Indigenous, Black, and white--in the deep South. In doing so Ailey must learn to embrace her full heritage, a legacy of oppression and resistance, bondage and independence, cruelty and resilience that is the story--and the song--of America itself.
About the Author
Loot
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Achilles Mountain
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Voluntary
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
Grave Digger
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Bleachers
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session.
Tse Tse Guy
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Hemlock
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ±
VisionVortex
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Solitaire
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Moonflower
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Corny
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Washer
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories.
EchoExplorer
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. 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!
Tabasco Dracula
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
CyberScribe
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Bootleg Taximan
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
The Beekeeper
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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!
London Fox
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape.
Hyper Kong
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Pyscho Hun
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
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