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.
The Shield Toronto
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Bombay Shivers
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Guillotine
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Switch
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Unseen
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Boo
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials.
King Bass
The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
HOV
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. 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.
BloodEater
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖
Toolmaker
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Ex0tic
💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Vermilion
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
MythMaker
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
ShadowFax
👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback.
Thunder Tank
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Silver Agent
🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits.
Necessary Momentum
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Show Boat
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
InsightfulInk
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. 📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧
High Beam
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers! I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
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