Book description
Featuring deep dives into thirst traps, drag queens, Antonio Banderas, and telenovelas--all in the service of helping us reframe how we talk about (desiring) men--this insightful memoir-in-essays is as much a coming of age as a coming out book Manuel Betancourt has long lustfully coveted masculinity--in part because he so lacked it. As a child in Bogotá, Colombia, he grew up with the social pressure to appear strong, manly, and, ultimately, straight. And yet in the films and television he avidly watched, Betancourt saw glimmers of different possibilities. From the stars of telenovelas and the princes of Disney films to pop sensation Ricky Martin and teen heartthrobs in shows like Saved By the Bell, he continually found himself asking: Do I want him or do I want to be him? The Male Gazed grapples with the thrall of masculinity, examining its frailty and its attendant anxieties even as it focuses on its erotic potential. Masculinity, Betancourt suggests, isn't suddenly ripe for deconstruction--or even outright destruction--amid so much talk about its inherent toxicity. Looking back over decades' worth of pop culture's attempts to codify and reframe what men can be, wear, do, and desire, this book establishes that to gaze at men is still a subversive act. Written in the spirit of Hanif Abdurraqib and Olivia Laing, The Male Gazed mingles personal anecdotes with cultural criticism to offer an exploration of intimacy, homoeroticism, and the danger of internalizing too many toxic ideas about masculinity as a gay man.
Runway Darling
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Racy Lion
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Bang Shift
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Pigeon Woman
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! 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.
RightN0w2
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Frosty Squid
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy!
Twisty Freesia
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Gamer Bean
🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Gothic Slacker
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Overrun
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. 🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 💼 Making every minute count – this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. 📱📖 ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Black Fantastic
🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. 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.
Voodoo Queen
With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Trash
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use. 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.
Disco Potato
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
NexusNavigator
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. 🔥 Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine – this app is my secret weapon! ✨📖 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Cereal Killer
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read – this app is always ready. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity. The app is lightweight and doesn’t drain my battery.
Cougar Fuzz
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. 📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜
Cool Whip
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. 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.
Grave Scuttlebutt
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Burst Nibbler
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. 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