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.
SunVolt
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. 💼 Merging work and pleasure – audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! 💻🎧 This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Lady Q
🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. 📚📱 ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
PixelPilgrim
I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Saturnalia
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories.
Disco Thunder
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. 🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Lucifurious
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Hoboken Nightingale
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
QuantumQuill
I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Stud
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight.
MuseMaster
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
High Heel Goddess
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Cool Iris
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. 💡 Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder – thank you, this app! 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Chip Queen
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Delicious Wing
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 📚 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. 📱📖 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream.
VisionVoyager
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Freak
No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Classy Luck
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊 Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Po1son
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! 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.
SunnySnap
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied. 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.
Miss Murder
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
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