Book description
*FINALIST for the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction* *WINNER of the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award* *WINNER of the 2020 Story Prize* *WINNER of the 2020 L.A. Times Book Prize, Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction* "Beguiling." --The New Yorker "Tender, fierce, proudly black and beautiful, these stories will sneak inside you and take root." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Triumphant." --Publishers Weekly "Cheeky, insightful, and irresistible." --Ms. Magazine "This collection marks the emergence of a bona fide literary treasure." --Minneapolis Star Tribune "Full of lived-in humanity, warmth, and compassion." --Pittsburgh Current The Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the raw and tender places where Black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary reprieve from being good. The nine stories in this collection feature four generations of characters grappling with who they want to be in the world, caught as they are between the church's double standards and their own needs and passions. There is fourteen-year-old Jael, who has a crush on the preacher's wife. At forty-two, Lyra realizes that her discomfort with her own body stands between her and a new love. As Y2K looms, Caroletta's "same time next year" arrangement with her childhood best friend is tenuous. A serial mistress lays down the ground rules for her married lovers. In the dark shadows of a hospice parking lot, grieving strangers find comfort in each other. With their secret longings, new love, and forbidden affairs, these church ladies are as seductive as they want to be, as vulnerable as they need to be, as unfaithful and unrepentant as they care to be, and as free as they deserve to be.
Mum Mary
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Grave Scuttlebutt
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
Toolmaker
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight.
Avenge Paws
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient.
Mantis Queen
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Sky
🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Mud Finger
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. 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.
QuantumQuill
This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. The app's performance is remarkable – it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
Are Ess Tee
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Gingersnap Woman
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Earl of Arms
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress.
Frosty
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. 🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Skittle Mine
ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Tin Fox
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Psycho Thinker
💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
IdeaAlchemy
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously.
Feral Filly
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Manly
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Mad Jack
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Stud Buster
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
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