8 Amazing Audiobooks by Black Authors

8 Amazing Audiobooks by Black Authors Just like the title says, these are all amazing audiobooks. I mean they’re also great books in and of themselves, obviously, ranging from magical realism to funny personal essays to epic love stories. But quality writing doesn’t always guarantee a quality audiobook. For all of these, though, the audiobook version is top-notch andâ€"gasp!â€"maybe even better than the print version. Not only are all these authors blackâ€"American, Canadian, Jamaican, and/or Nigerianâ€"but so are all the narrators. Sea, Swallow Me and Other Stories by Craig Laurence Gidney: This is a gorgeously written and wildly inventive collection of magical realist / fantasy short stories. It’s the kind of writing that you want to linger over, because the language is so rich. These stories are strange in the best way, ranging from a Japanese monk seduced by a shape-shifting fairy to a tiger escaped from the circus merging with his African caretaker to become the monster that haunts a Southern town. Steve Ryan, the narrator, has a beautifully unique, emphatic voice that brings the darkness and eccentricity of these Lambda Literary Award finalist stories to life. Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta: The Audie award-winning and renowned Robin Miles narrates this audiobook set in Nigeria, during the civil war of the late 60s and the years afterward. Listeners familiar with the ranges and potential transformations of Miles’s voice won’t be surprised at her success with the main character Ijeoma’s Nigerian accent and subtle yet complex personality. I was already hooked into this queer coming-of-age story in print, but was so drawn in by the audiobook when I checked it out that I switched formats half way through the book. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates: I’m sure I don’t need to tell you much about this book, which is one of those pieces of writing that lives up to all the hype. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, Between the World and Me is a series of letters from Coates to his son about blackness and race in America. It’s an incredibly powerful mix of memoir, journalism, and history. Coates narrates the book himself; not only does he simply have a beautiful voice, he infuses every sentence with urgency and passion. Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation by Aisha Tyler: You know an audiobook narrated by an author who’s an actress and comedian is going to be good. Aisha Tyler’s on-point comedic timing and effortless delivery makes this such a fun collection of funny stories about all the embarrassing, stupid shit she’s done in her life. It’s the kind of audiobook you just can’t stop listening to. Her writing is great, natural but evocative just like how she reads. It’s a bit like sitting down with your really articulate friend telling you I-can’t-believe-that’s-true stories. It never sounds like she’s reading off the page. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This is another book I’m sure doesn’t need an introduction; Adichie’s international story about race and love centred around two Nigerian lovers over the cross of their lives has won and been nominated for oodles of awards. Why should you try the audiobook version? The narration by actress Adjoa Andoh, that’s why. It is just wow. She gracefully switches between accents, voices, genders, and more as she brings this eclectic cast of characters to life. You’ll never have trouble telling anyone apart. Andoh even excels at differentiating Ifemelus snarkier blog voice from her IRL one. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James: This audiobook read by a superbly talented cast of actors is really more of a radio play than an audiobook. Men, women, black, white, American, Jamaican, queer, and straight, all of these voices contribute to James’s epic story centring on the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in the late 70s. Not for the faint of heart, A Brief History of Seven Killings, as the title implies, is full of violence as well as ample swearing and drugs. But that’s not all there is to this multi-layered piece of fiction. For readers not familiar with Jamaican dialect, it is amazing to hear it pronounced as it should be by Jamaican actors. All of the acting is phenomenal: I’ll never forget the scene where a gang member dies and you could hear it in the actor’s laboured breathing. I can still hear the voices of the characters in my head almost a year after listening to it. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: This is a classic you may have already read that would be amazing to re-visit in audio form. You’ll see the main character Janie Crawford, the Southern black women living in the 30s and gaining her independence, in a whole new way. Like Marlon’s Brief History, there is dialect and vernacular speech in this book that if you’re not familiar with you just can’t appreciate if you’re only hearing it inside your own head. Ruby Dee, who narrates, has the gorgeously velvety voice of an old-school actress, full of feeling and poetry, just like Hurston’s words. I especially love how she does the characters’ laughs; they sound so real. Sister Mine by Nalo Hopkinson: This is another audiobook superbly narrated by Robin Miles, although in a voice almost unrecognizable from Under the Udala Trees. Sister Mine is a delightfully odd book about queer polyamorous demi-gods, dysfunctional families, sibling rivalry, Afro-Caribbean mythology, and present day Toronto. What really epitomizes the wonderful oddities of this book is the fact that there’s a character who used to be Jimi Hendrix’s guitar.  You know, he’s an enspirited object, currently in human form.  No big deal. Miles’s narration evokes both the magical and everyday elements of the book. Sign up for Audiobooks to receive the latest from the audiobooks world. Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox.

How to Improve Your Research Skills 6 Research Tips

Whether you’re writing a blog post or a short story, you’ll likely reach a point in your first draft where you don’t have enough information to go forward—and that’s where research comes in.

Edward Burtynsky Canadian Photographer Free Essay Example, 1500 words

Manufactured Landscape is one of the renowned documentaries that are largely based on the works of Edward Burtynsky such as the landscape images of factories, mines, dams recycling fields, and industrial debris. These images are often presented in a manner that depicts them as beautiful and highlights both the aesthetics and ethics involved without necessarily addressing such issues. The documentary particularly captures scenes obtained from Burtynsky's tours across China while focusing on the countries massive industrial development. Some of the common sites include the famous Three Gorges Dam, the Shanghai urban development projects among other industrial landscape features. China is one of the countries that have recently experienced enormous social economic transformations due to industrial development. Consequently, the imagery effectively explored the delicate link between nature and contemporary industrial development. The film was eventually nominated as the best documentary during the 2008 film independent awards. Edward Burtynsky s primary interest was to highlight some of the ways through which humanity has impacted on nature and landscape. This particularly explains why he concentrated on documenting the industrial effects on nature for nearly 20 years. We will write a custom essay sample on Edward Burtynsky: Canadian Photographer or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page In this regard, the theme of terra-transformation is effectively highlighted using various visual correlations of farming, waterways, and landscape.

India as an Emerging Market Free Essay Example, 2750 words

The particular Sectors in India’s Industrial Infrastructure that have been key to the economy are in the areas of: automotive, banking, communications, education and infrastructure. In the automotive sector, India has become quite competitive with the industry having both global and local players. India is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of: motorcycles, passenger cars, trucks and others; with major global players like Hyundai, Toyota and Bosch and local participants such as Tata, Maruti, Biston and Sundarm (Sennik when all is said and done the local players however usually have the largest shares of the market. The growth in India’s domestic and export automotive markets is often influenced by certain factors such as rising incomes, increasing urbanization, cost competitiveness, skilled manpower, favorable government policies as well as a strong GDP. Therefore, success in the Indian auto market is possible if companies follow a proven pathway. Banking in India has three-pronged regulatory framework: the insurance regulatory and development authority that oversees the insurance industry, the reserve bank of India that often controls scheduled commercial banks, financial institutions, cooperative banks and non-banking finance companies and the last framework being the securities and exchange board of India which often covers mutual funds and capital market intermediaries. We will write a custom essay sample on India as an Emerging Market or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now India’s banking sector is strengthened by the large sums of cash that come from the household savings. Foreign banks operating in the country also have a positive track record of flourishing through establishing branches in already existing banks. This is because they are unable to stand independently due to existing entry barriers that are as a result of regulations in place. Banks growth in the Indian market is usually upheld by either one of the four different strategies: Organic growth by investing in green-field presence, investing in already existing financial institutions, forming joint ventures with banks already in place or by launching non-bank financial institutions like funds or fund management services. Of all foreign banks Standard Chartered is the largest and most profitable player in the Indian market. Communication as an industrial infrastructure in India continues to experience great growth and remains highly competitive.

School Based Mentoring Programs ( Sbmp ) - 919 Words

School-based mentoring programs (SBMP) have become widely used due to their presumptuously simple implementation and effective results; however, they remain to be scientifically under-developed and require integrity during implementation (Miller et al., 2013; Smith Stormont, 2011). Undoubtedly, SBMP have been shown to improve students: attitudes, confidence, school engagement, school performance, behaviour, vocational skills, and emotional and social skills (Converse Lignugaris/Kraft, 2009; Miller et al., 2013; Schwartz, Rhodes, Herrera, 2012). Contrarily, these promising outcomes are equally met with many studies that show: no, or only little, improvements; only short-lived results; or only effectiveness with certain types of students (Converse Lignugaris/Kraft, 2009; McQuillin, Smith, Strait, 2011; Miller et al., 2013). A major understanding that many program designers seemingly fail to comprehend is that SBMP are not ‘general-purpose’ programs. Thus, many SBMP are not designed and implemented strategically. Particularly problematic for these poorly designed programs are: the lack of defined success outcomes, measurements of success being open to biases, the ambiguous and faulty evaluations of such programs, and the individual program’s diversity of standards, budgets, objectives, and implementation (Converse Lignugaris/Kraft, 2009; Gusic et al., 2010; Schwartz, Rhodes, Herrera, 2012; Smith Stormont, 2011). Evidently, the difficulty of replicating the

The Broad Field Of Psychology - 1199 Words

The broad field of psychology encompasses several different subsets in order to touch upon every aspect of the practice. A particularly interesting one would be cognitive psychology. This area of study focuses on several mental processes; mostly memory, perception and learning. Through the adaption of science and technology, cognitive psychology continues to grow as an important field in psychology. History of Cognitive Psychology Cognitive Psychology originally did not begin as that title. In the 1950’s, behaviorism was the dominating factor of the profession. However, much interest grew in the mental process area. Around this time era, American psychologists eventually â€Å"rejected the idea of behaviorism and adapted a model of mind based on the computer.† (Smith, 2001). Ultimately, this was because something as complicated as the brain was difficult be compared to. That is, until the arrival of the computer. It was able to â€Å"help psychologists help understand how the human mind handles information† (McLeod, 2016). How we store, use, and produce our intellectual thoughts to be exact. Yet, the term â€Å"cognitive psychology† was not coined until around 1967 when American psychologist Ulric Neisser published his book Cognitive Psychology. Since then, he has been known as the â€Å"father of cognitive psychology†. Neisser adapted this title when he disagreed with the be haviorist approach. Behaviorism focuses on a person’s motives, but there had to be more to a person’s behavior aspectsShow MoreRelatedThe Broad Field Of Developmental Psychology Is The Life Span Of Dyslexia1329 Words   |  6 PagesThe topic of discussion related primarily to the broad field of developmental psychology is the life span of dyslexia. Reasoning for why this topic is so controversial can range from speculation on the impact of media on many people to researchers arguing that there really is no definitive and accurate way of determining the reasoning for it. In order to fully address the symptoms and reasoning over time on dyslexia in this research paper, I will present multiple findings that can pin point whatRead MoreThe Field of Psychology840 Words   |  3 PagesPsychology is a discipline of social science that encompasses nearly every aspect of the human experience. The field of psychology addresses the entire gamut of human behavior and the complexi ties of emotion. Issues related to perception and cognition are included in psychological research. Neurobiology and neurophysiology also fall under the rubric of psychology. At the same time, psychology embraces less quantifiable variables in the human experience, such as emotional responses and altered statesRead MorePsychology, The Scientific Study Of The Mind1476 Words   |  6 PagesPsychology, defined as the scientific study of the mind, is a very broad field with many career opportunities. Psychology is a fairly new field and has many job opportunities available for anyone wanting to make a career with a degree. There are therapy related jobs along with jobs that are not therapy related. Most psychologists wanting a job that is therapy related need a master’s degree or doctoral, however ones who do not pursue a job with therapy obtain a bachelor’s or master’s. The averageRead MoreThe Behavioral Perspective Of Clinical Psychology993 Words   |  4 Pages Clinical psychology is a relatively new area of study in the broad category of psychology. It is a subfield of psychology that covers a wide range and variety of topics and issues such as the study, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. (Feldman, 2010) Clinical psychologists also might deal with patients who have learning disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. This paper will briefly discuss the behavioral perspective, some research methods in the field ofRead MoreThe Psychology Of Clinical Psychology967 Words   |  4 PagesClinical psychology is a relatively newer area of study in the broad category of psychology. It is subfield of psychology that covers a wide range and variety of topics and issues such as the study, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. (Feldman, 2010) This paper will briefly discuss the behavioral perspective, some research methods in the field of psychology, positive and negative components associat ed with clinical psychology, and different controversies and ways to overcome theseRead MoreExamination of Clinical Psychology1665 Words   |  7 PagesClinical psychology is a broad science that involves psychologists ensuring the mental well-being of a patient. Its focus is diagnosing, treating, and if possible, averting psychological disorders. The field of clinical psychology applies to every demographic from young children to the elderly, families or individuals, and one’s socioeconomic status is not a factor in whether he or she should receive treatment. Clinical psychology deals with a broad range of specialties, including individuals whoRead MoreA Research Study On Psychology893 Words   |  4 Pages1. Currently, I am majoring in psychology. The occupation I chose was Psychologist. In the future I hope to do research as a Psychologist at a University. I want to do research in the psychology field so I will be able to expand the greater knowledge of the human self. 2. In the occupation psychologist, men occupy about 44% of the work force, while women occupy about 56%. Even though there is little sex segregation, there is a rather large gap in the average income. Men on average earn $49,804Read MoreBibliography Of An Annotated Bibliography1512 Words   |  7 Pagescovers evidence based practices and issues with the field of psychology such as lack of services, cost and, quality of care. Each annotation addresses the strength of the article, the purpose of the article, the relevance to the field of psychology and its uniqueness. The paper is a very brief synopsis of the article as well as a critique. It is not as concise as a literature review. Keywords: evidence based practice, issues with the field of psychology, mental health services, AnnotatedRead MorePsychology : Psychology And Psychology1630 Words   |  7 PagesPsychology is a very broad field of study and requires a lot of research when choosing a career. The education that is required for pursuing a career in the field of psychology depends on the type of psychologist you want to be. Most psychology programs require at least a master s degree to pursue a psychologist career, but some may require a doctoral degree. It is important to know the educational requirements as well as state requirements when entering the field of psychology. Southwestern hasRead MoreA Comparison of Community Psychology and Public Health1179 Words   |  5 PagesA COMPARISON OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH. In this assignment the key differences and similarities of community psychology and the public health approach will be examined and critically compared. Community Psychology is a branch of psychology which is concerned primarily with achieving positive mental health in the broader context of the community rather than the individual. Public health is primarily concerned and focused on changing behaviours within the context of the public in

Volcanic Landforms Free Essays

Volcanic Landforms Volcano is essentially a fissure or vent (opening) which serves as an outlet for hot magma from beneath the Earth’s crust. The hot liquid magma coming out in the form of lava (most commonly molten basalt) is potential of shaping different landforms on earth crust. The most common landforms that are results of volcanic activity include cones, craters, calderas, domes etc. We will write a custom essay sample on Volcanic Landforms or any similar topic only for you Order Now This article gives a description of these volcanic landforms. SHIELD VOLCANOES- These are characterised by gentle upper slopes. The slope varies from only 5 degrees to 10 degrees. The shield volcanoes are made up of mainly thin lava flows around central vent. The low viscosity lava (low silica content) travels down gently and as it cools down it creates less steeper lower slope. These are also found at the flanks of bigger volcanoes like Kilauea is situated on the Hawaiian shield volcano. STRATOVOLCANOES- These are characterised somewhat steeper slopes (30 degrees to 40degees) near the vent and the summit due to highly viscous lava flows are not able to travel long distances before they cool down. The less steeper slopes at the base is due to erosional activity. The show inter layering of pyroclastic material and thus sometimes also called composite volcanoes. Pyroclastic material make upto 50% of a stratovolcano. They show a long time of repose which makes them quite dangerous. CINDER CONES- They are small volume cones build up by fall deposites around the eruptive vent. There slope is around 25-30 degrees. During later stages of eruptions the lava may come out from the flanks. Cinder and tephra cones usually occur around summit vents and flank vents of stratovolcanoes. MAARS- The magma heats up the groundwater and converts it into vapours which builds up pressure and results in eruptions containing water and pre-existing rocks. Walls of crater fall back into crater and fills it with loose material. If the crater depth reaches below the water table of the region, the maars often fill up with water. LAVA DOMES- The viscous lava or rhyolitic lava is not able to flow far away from the vent, it rather accumulates over the vent. The forecoming lava from the vent pushes and the upper solidified outer surface rolls down to the flank. The slope is very rough due to spines pushed up by the magma below. CRATERS AND CALDERAS- Craters are the depressions which are the results of explosions emitting gases and tephras. They can range upto 1km in diameter. Calderas are large depressions, circular or elliptical in shape with diameters ranging from 1 km to 50 km. Calderas form as a result of collapse of a volcanic structure. The collapse results from evacuation of the underlying magma chamber. The evacuation process of lava chambers in stratovolcanoes in rapid and as the lava goes out the walls collapse and form a large crater. They are enclosed depressions which often collect rain water and snow melt and may form lakes. Like Crater Lake in southern Oregon is about 8km in diameter and dated to be formed around 6800years ago. FUMAROLES- A fumarole is vent where gases, either from a magma body at depth, or steam from heated groundwater, emerges at the surface of the Earth. Since most magmatic gas is H2O vapor, and since heated groundwater will produce H2O vapor, fumaroles will only be visible if the water condenses. H2O vapor is invisible, unless droplets of liquid water have condensed). HOT SPRINGS- Hot springs or thermal springs are areas where hot water comes to the surface of the Earth. Cool groundwater moves downward and is heated by a body of magma or hot rock. A hot spring results if this hot water can find its way back to the surface, usually along fault zonesGYESERS- A geyser results if the hot spring has a plumbing system that allows for the accumulation of steam from the boiling water. When the steam pressure builds so that it is higher than the pressure of the overlying water in the system, the steam will move rapidly toward the surface, causing the eruption of the overlying water. Some geysers, like Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park, erupt at regular intervals. The time between eruptions is controlled by the time it takes for the steam pressure to build in the underlying plumbing system. | How to cite Volcanic Landforms, Papers