Book description
Winner of the 2024 National Book Critics Circle Award in Nonfiction • Winner of the 2024 Kirkus Nonfiction Prize • Shortlisted for the 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction • A New York Times Notable Book of 2024 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Stunning...A heart-pounding thriller...Challenger is a remarkable book.” —The Atlantic • “Devastating...A universal story that transcends time.” —The New York Times • “Dramatic...a moving narrative.” —The Wall Street Journal From the New York Times bestselling author of Midnight in Chernobyl comes the definitive, “compelling, and exhaustively researched” (The Washington Post) minute-by-minute account of the Challenger disaster, based on fascinating and new archival research—a riveting history that reads like a thriller.On January 28, 1986, just seventy-three seconds into flight, the space shuttle Challenger broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all seven people on board. Millions of Americans witnessed the tragic deaths of the crew, which included New Hampshire schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. Like the assassination of JFK, the Challenger disaster is a defining moment in 20th-century history—one that forever changed the way America thought of itself and its optimistic view of the future. Yet the full story of what happened, and why, has never been told. Based on extensive archival research and meticulous, original reporting, Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space follows a handful of central protagonists—including each of the seven members of the doomed crew—through the years leading up to the accident, and offers a detailed account of the tragedy itself and the investigation afterward. It’s a compelling tale of ambition and ingenuity undermined by political cynicism and cost-cutting in the interests of burnishing national prestige; of hubris and heroism; and of an investigation driven by leakers and whistleblowers determined to bring the truth to light. Throughout, there are the ominous warning signs of a tragedy to come, recognized but then ignored, and later hidden from the public. Higginbotham reveals the history of the shuttle program and the lives of men and women whose stories have been overshadowed by the disaster, as well as the designers, engineers, and test pilots who struggled against the odds to get the first shuttle into space. A masterful blend of riveting human drama and fascinating and absorbing science, Challenger identifies a turning point in history—and brings to life an even more complex and astonishing story than we remember.
Silent
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Fire Fish
Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
THRESHmSTR
Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable. 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!
Sugar Man
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Tootsie Killer
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. 🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Kazmii
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Trash Pocky
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. 🎶 Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls – this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. 🎵📖 ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Necromancer
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Old Orange Eyes
The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. 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!
BoomerBox
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SprkR
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Sky Dahlia
This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Lord Theus
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Jungle King
The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
CirrusFlash
ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Shadow Gal
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
Arsenic Coo
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
CyberScribe
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
TeederSmartie
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
LoreLoomer
This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
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