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.
Troubled Pie
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! 🌌 Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking – this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! 🍲📖 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Gov Skull
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Y0dler
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers.
Friday Ferrari
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly.
Fire Fish
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. 🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 🎶📚 The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! 🎵🎧 With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
Slug-em-dog
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Trip
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Bambi Benz
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. 💼 Merging work and pleasure – audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! 💻🎧 Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Peanut Butter Woman
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Golden Cougar
The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
AirportHobo XD
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧
Impulsive Flower
This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Swerve
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Contrary Mary
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Cool Whip
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Prez Dog
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 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.
Sexual Chocolate
The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
ForumFlare
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀
101
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. 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!
Dahlia Bumble
Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
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