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.
Dance Bloom
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
TrixiePhany
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
PixelPathfinder
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Amphibi-Dangerous
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app.
Liquid Death
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. 🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧 CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Kitchen
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures. 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. 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.
Tokyo Dream
💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟
Chew Chew
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way.
Dewdrop Doll
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives.
ThickSKN
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Mad Rascal
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Night Magnet
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Snow Cream
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Acid Gosling
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Spoiler Betty
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Fennel Dove
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Seattle Jay
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑
StormCake
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. 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! 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.
MeeP
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Pistol Hydro
💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧 Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
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