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.
GoldTouch
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱 ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
BlackExcalibur
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Tokyo Dream
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features – from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Bat Magenta
🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
SunVolt
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
NoiseCake
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Pocket Mazda
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
LuminaLore
This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
Gov Skull
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Jack Cassidy
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Sweet Manhattan
I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Combo Saw
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. 📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉
Acetic Princess
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Dora the Destroyer
ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. 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!
DollFaceKillah
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Star Sword
ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. 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! Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
ZenZone
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights – I'm never without a good story. No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! No need to convert files anymore – ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Easy Sweep
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Hyper Kong
🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Killer Merlot
💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
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