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
Show Off
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle β this app's design is a win. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
ByteBard
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Ship Whip
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Little General
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Iron Butterfly
I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Freesia
Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Omega Sub
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
NeoGermal
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
Greek Rifle
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
ByteBard
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable.
Oblivion
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
VenusXX
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ
Santa's Little Helper
ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Capital F
Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Black Fantastic
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts.
Dance Bloom
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Bugger
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
CyberScribe
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Gingersnap Woman
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have!
Count Eagle
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
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