Book description
A vivid account of a major shift in how we understand Earth, from an exceptionally talented new voice. Earth is not simply an inanimate planet on which life evolved, but rather a planet that came to life.“Glorious . . . full of achingly beautiful passages, mind-bending conceptual twists, and wonderful characters. Jabr reveals how Earth has been profoundly, miraculously shaped by life.”—Ed Yong, Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author of An Immense WorldFINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE • FINALIST FOR THE OREGON BOOK AWARD • AN AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Smithsonian, Chicago Public Library, Booklist, Scientific American, NatureA BEST BOOK OF THE SUMMER: The Atlantic and NPR’s Science FridayOne of humanity’s oldest beliefs is that our world is alive. Though once ridiculed by some scientists, the idea of Earth as a vast interconnected living system has gained acceptance in recent decades. We, and all living things, are more than inhabitants of Earth—we are Earth, an outgrowth of its structure and an engine of its evolution. Life and its environment have coevolved for billions of years, transforming a lump of orbiting rock into a cosmic oasis—a planet that breathes, metabolizes, and regulates its climate.Acclaimed science writer Ferris Jabr reveals a radical new vision of Earth where lush forests spew water, pollen, and bacteria to summon rain; giant animals engineer the very landscapes they roam; microbes chew rock to shape continents; and microscopic plankton, some as glittering as carved jewels, remake the air and sea.Humans are one of the most extreme examples of life transforming Earth. Through fossil fuel consumption, agriculture, and pollution, we have altered more layers of the planet in less time than any other species, pushing Earth into a crisis. But we are also uniquely able to understand and protect the planet’s wondrous ecology and self-stabilizing processes. Jabr introduces us to a diverse cast of fascinating people who have devoted themselves to this vital work.Becoming Earth is an exhilarating journey through the hidden workings of our planetary symphony—its players, its instruments, and the music of life that emerges—and an invitation to reexamine our place in it. How well we play our part will determine what kind of Earth our descendants inherit for millennia to come.
Slinger
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Coffee
Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Bruh
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Sky Herald
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Sugar Hiccup
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Guncap Slingbad
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Diamond Gamer
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Lucky Brandy
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖
Mechani-Man
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
QuestWeaver
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Darkside Hooker
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. 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!
Firefly
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! 📱🔊 ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Tangerine
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Third Moon
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive.
ByteBard
I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
InsightfulInk
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience.
Petite Beauty
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Zorkle Sporkle
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. 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! This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
LocKz
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Rocky Highway
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫
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