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
Flashpoint
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
VenusLion
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Old Regret
πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
NexusNavigator
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable.
Kawaii Red
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Drop Stone
No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Firedog
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Bootleg Taximan
π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
VisionVoyager
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
NightWonka
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Sky Dahlia
Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Barbwire
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel. 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. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Hermopolis
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Copilot
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Amphibi-Dangerous
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable.
Sweet Bacon
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
Oblivion
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Chameleon
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Natural Mess
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
SneakerKid
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces.
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