Book description
Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph - a Portrait of Resilience
Sheila Johnson's memoir is more than an autobiography; it is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose. From the first page, her voice feels like a warm conversation with an old friend-honest, unflinching, and ultimately uplifting. The book traces her journey from a shy violinist in Maywood, Illinois to the co-founder of BET, a billionaire philanthropist, and the only Black woman who owns three professional sports teams. Yet what makes this narrative truly compelling is how Johnson intertwines that soaring success with the raw realities of heartbreak, abuse, and institutional racism.
The structure-three acts mirroring her life's phases-keeps readers engaged while allowing time for reflection. The first act lays out a childhood marred by betrayal, setting up the emotional stakes. In the second, we witness Johnson's battle against self-doubt, depression, and an abusive marriage that could have derailed everything she loved. Her descriptions are vivid but never gratuitous; they serve to underscore her resilience rather than sensationalize suffering.
The third act feels like a breath of fresh air. Here, Johnson not only recounts building Salamander Hotels & Resorts and breaking barriers in sports ownership, but also finds love again-a testament that healing is possible even after deep wounds. Her narrative invites readers to see that success isn't just about titles; it's about reclaiming agency and finding joy in everyday life.
What sets this memoir apart is Johnson's lyrical prose-she writes with the same grace she once used on a violin. She shares specific moments-a child's laugh, a quiet office meeting-that make her triumph feel tangible. The book reads like a "highly readable" guide for anyone who has ever felt trapped by expectations or hurt by those they love.
In sum, Walk Through Fire is an inspiring testament to the human spirit's capacity to rise above adversity. Sheila Johnson turns personal tragedy into universal hope, offering readers both a gripping story and practical lessons on courage, self-belief, and the power of second chances. This memoir will resonate with anyone who has ever wanted to break free from the past and step boldly into their own future.
Venom Petunia
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
MysticMingle
🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 🚗📖 Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks – driving has never been this fun! 🚗🎧
Houston Rocket
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
Snowflake Pixie
🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app makes each day a new adventure! 📖🚀 I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly.
The Belgian
Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Chapstick
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
Tokyo Dream
🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Pepper
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Pop Bee
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Blood Taker
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used.
Commando
This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
DZE
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Pixy Mox
🎶📚 My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. 🎧🎶 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖
Gas Man
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
Killer Grenade
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏
Purity
🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Lord Nikon
Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Referee
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. 🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓
Flakes
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Ella of Light
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
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