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.
Mr. Lucky
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Master Jetson
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Lope Lope
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Switch
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Moxie
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
AlertXis
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Darth 44
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
King Bass
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧
Brick Mooch
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. 📱🔊 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Solitaire
👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Crumb Cake
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. 🏃♂️📚 Combining fitness and fiction – this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! 🏃♂️📖
Moon Radar
User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Sleek Assassin
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive. I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Fl00d
I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem.
VPR
My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Cumulo
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Gabriel Dandelion
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏 Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Lincoln Rider
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! 🎉📚 Rekindling my passion for books – this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! 🔥📖 ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Sugar Apple
🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Black Mustard
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
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