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
Chasm Face
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. โญ๏ธ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality โ I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ๐๐ง The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Lady Q
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio โ from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Ember Master
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ๐๏ธ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn โ I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ๐๐
Gro
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available โ so much to learn! Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys โ thank you, app!
Delirium
Audiobooks made convenient โ this app's functionality is a true gift. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
Twitch
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream โ simple and efficient. Download options are plenty โ I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Pixie
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง Walking and listening has never been this smooth โ this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ๐๏ธ๐ Seamless audiobook integration โ this app's functionality is a true gem. ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. ListenBookโs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
SprkR
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Natural Gold
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Vicious Street
ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBookโs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Diamond Gamer
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ๐งโโ๏ธโ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories โ the ultimate way to unwind! ๐ต๐ The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Wonder Lady
๐ Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking โ this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! ๐ฒ๐ Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ๐๐ง
Light Lion
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Uluru Walker
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy โ it's eye-opening. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy. 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! Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnโt have any major complaints, but I also donโt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Wiccan Thunder
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
WittyWordsmith
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting โ pure magic! ๐งโโ๏ธโ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook โ relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. ๐ต๐ ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps.
RedFeet
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
Double Eerie
Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle โ this app's design is a win. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Orange Teflon
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound โ it adds a personal touch. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Fl00d
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. ๐๏ธ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures โ this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. โ๏ธ๐
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