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. One 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.
About the Author
Ferris Jabr is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine. He has also written for The New Yorker, Harper's, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and Scientific American. He is the recipient of a Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction Grant and fellowships from UC Berkeley and MIT. His work has been anthologized in several editions of Best American Science and Nature Writing. Ferris Jabr lives in Portland, Oregon, with his husband, Ryan, their dog, Jack, and more plants than they can count.
Uncle Psycho
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection โ it's a parenting win! This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. ๐ฑ๐ง The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Little Cobra
๐ถ๐ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling โ audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. ๐ง๐ Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Hella Fella
๐๐ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's soothing voices ๐ด๐ง Audiobook excellence simplified โ this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Duchess
This audiobook app is a true gem โ it brings stories to life with every click. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive โ smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Versace-Cat
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Coldy
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination.
Goatee Shield
Simplifying audiobook management โ this app's functionality is a true asset. Simplifying my audiobook experience โ this app's design is remarkable. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. Good for background listening. I didnโt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorโs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
White Swan
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true โ from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Amphibi-Dangerous
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
BearDrift
I can't get enough of this app โ it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ๐ Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores โ pure joy! ๐๐ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Wildcat Talent
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
RedFisher
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ๐๏ธ Basking in the sun with an audiobook โ relaxation meets storytelling paradise! โ๏ธ๐
Taffy Duchess
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning.
ThermalMode
This app is a true gift for book lovers โ it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ๐ Simplifying my reading routine โ this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. ๐โจ Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Roller Girl
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. 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!
Alpha
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
Beo
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. ListenBookโs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Divine Quasar
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged.
Mr. Peppermint
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnโt have any major complaints, but I also donโt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
TrinitySoul
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
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