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
Starshine
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Sokol
With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Celtic Charger
Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
SmartieQuest
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
Spunky Comet
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime.
Dakota Bliss
Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Mad Rascal
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
PixelPathfinder
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
TulipCake
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs.
Acid Gosling
Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Frosty Squid
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Darkside Orbit
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver!
MrOnsTr
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Crossing Guard
I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. 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.
Mud Eye
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Street Jolly
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Frosty Sunshine
With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Swan Mustang
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
VileHero
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
DragonBlood
Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
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