Book description
Gay bars have been closing by the hundreds. The story goes that increasing mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, plus dating apps like Grindr and Tinder, have rendered these spaces obsolete. Beyond that, rampant gentrification in big cities has pushed gay bars out of the neighborhoods they helped make hip. Who Needs Gay Bars? considers these narratives, accepting that the answer for some might be: maybe nobody. And yet... Jarred by the closing of his favorite local watering hole in Cleveland, Ohio, Greggor Mattson embarks on a journey across the country to paint a much more complex picture of the cultural significance of these spaces, inside "big four" gay cities, but also beyond them. No longer the only places for their patrons to socialize openly, Mattson finds in them instead a continuously evolving symbol; a physical place for feeling and challenging the beating pulse of sexual progress. From the historical archives of Seattle's Garden of Allah, to the outpost bars in Texas, Missouri or Florida that serve as community hubs for queer youth--these are places of celebration, where the next drag superstar from Alaska or Oklahoma may be discovered. They are also fraught grounds for confronting the racial and gender politics within and without the LGBTQ+ community. The question that frames this story is not asking whether these spaces are needed, but for whom, earnestly exploring the diversity of folks and purposes they serve today. Loosely informed by the Damron Guide, the so-called "Green Book" of gay travel, Mattson logged 10,000 miles on the road to all corners of the United States. His destinations are sometimes thriving, sometimes struggling, but all offering intimate views of the wide range of gay experience in America: POC, white, trans, cis; past, present, and future.
Disco Potato
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback.
Sultan of Speed
No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Video Game Heroine
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Mallow Man
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. It’s so easy to navigate.
BlacKitten
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧
QuantumQuill
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
RZR
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate.
Demo
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days.
Mafia Princess
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
The Dude
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Rooster
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph.
Referee
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
ForumFlare
ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Gold Dahlia
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch.
InsightInkwell
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠
Father Abbot
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
Hitch Frenzy
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. 📚👌 Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. 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.
ForumFlare
The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. 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.
Twix Esses
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
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