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
Admiral Tot
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features.
Scratch
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
Shy Warrior
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Indigo Red
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Arsenic Coo
The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
RiddleRover
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. 💼 Making every minute count – this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. 📱📖
Opulent Gamer
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Lady Pomegranate
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
Coldy
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Emerald Goddess
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel.
CuriousCraft
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Houston
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Danger Menace
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Shadow Gal
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
MindfulMingle
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Cool Whip
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
EchoExplorer
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 💡 Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder – thank you, this app! 📱📖 ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
ThoughtTraveler
💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Delicious
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Dream Killer
The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
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