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
Spitfire
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! ππ§ ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Flash
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Good William
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Deano
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
PixelPathfinder
This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Spitfire
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
Papa Smurf
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. 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 My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata.
Pusher
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Black Hole Necromancer
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
Mr. Gadget
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ
Good-lookinβ
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Uncle Psycho
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Undergrad Split
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Plenty Orange
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
Ladybird
πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Sneaky Lady
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
DreamWeaver
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Devil Blade
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits β so cool! ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Flint
Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Shadow Bishop
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
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