Book description
Ever wonder what happens when gravity gets so strong it swallows light itself? Marcus Chown's A Crack in Everything isn't just about black holes-it's the thrilling, human story of how science wrestled with one of the universe's wildest ideas. And listening to it as an audiobook? Pure magic.
Chown, a former physicist turned brilliant science communicator, doesn't drown you in equations. Instead, he takes you right into the labs and observatories where the real drama unfolded. You'll hear about Einstein dismissing black holes as "too ridiculous," then the quiet triumph of Paul Murdin and Louise Webster discovering Cygnus X-1 in 1971-the first black hole found. You'll feel the tension as astronomers using the Hubble telescope uncovered supermassive giants at the heart of galaxies, including our own Milky Way. And then, the jaw-dropping moment of April 10, 2019: the first ever image of a black hole, a cosmic whisper made visible.
What makes this audiobook unforgettable is Chown's voice-warm, curious, and utterly relatable. He's not lecturing; he's sharing the wonder over coffee, translating mind-bending physics into everyday language. You'll hear the frustration of scientists, the euphoria of discovery, and the sheer audacity of a field that once called black holes "cosmic ghosts." The pacing is perfect for audio: short, vivid scenes that pull you deeper, like a mystery unfolding.
You won't just learn about gravity's extremes-you'll feel why this matters. Black holes aren't just cosmic monsters; they're keys to understanding space, time, and our place in the universe. Chown's journey from Einstein's skepticism to Hubble's breakthroughs shows science as a messy, human endeavor, full of doubt and awe. And listening? It's like having a brilliant friend guide you through the darkness, making the impossible feel intimately clear.
By the end, you'll not just know about black holes-you'll feel the crack in everything, the moment science finally saw the universe as it truly is. This isn't just a book about space; it's a reminder of why we ask the biggest questions at all. Perfect for anyone who's ever looked up at the stars and wondered, What's really out there? You'll want to press play again the moment it ends.
Blink
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Rope
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
MrOnsTr
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Stealth
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Cricket
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Rummy Stickers
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Papa Smurf
With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Flame OUT
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Bowler
This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
VisionVortex
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Shade Nightman
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
Fire Sass
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Sun Runner
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ
Lady Q
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Lope Lope
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
EchoEnigma
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Lady Peach
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
The Dude
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore.
101
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Jigsaw
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
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