Book description
The New York Times bestselling coauthor of Sex at Dawn explores the ways in which "progress" has perverted the way we live--how we eat, learn, feel, mate, parent, communicate, work, and die--in this "engaging, extensively documented, well-organized, and thought-provoking" (Booklist) book. Most of us have instinctive evidence the world is ending--balmy December days, face-to-face conversation replaced with heads-to-screens zomboidism, a world at constant war, a political system in disarray. We hear some myths and lies so frequently that they feel like truths: Civilization is humankind's greatest accomplishment. Progress is undeniable. Count your blessings. You're lucky to be alive here and now. Well, maybe we are and maybe we aren't. Civilized to Death counters the idea that progress is inherently good, arguing that the "progress" defining our age is analogous to an advancing disease. Prehistoric life, of course, was not without serious dangers and disadvantages. Many babies died in infancy. A broken bone, infected wound, snakebite, or difficult pregnancy could be life-threatening. But ultimately, Christopher Ryan questions, were these pre-civilized dangers more murderous than modern scourges, such as car accidents, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and a technologically prolonged dying process? Civilized to Death "will make you see our so-called progress in a whole new light" (Book Riot) and adds to the timely conversation that "the way we have been living is no longer sustainable, at least as long as we want to the earth to outlive us" (Psychology Today). Ryan makes the claim that we should start looking backwards to find our way into a better future.
Subzero Taffy
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Knock Out Star
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
WordWanderer
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Twin Blaze
With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
TeederSmartie
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it!
Duke Electro
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ«
Kamikaze Grandma
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
Avenge Paws
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
9Lives
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Bowie
This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Mr. Alien
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Ladybird
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
BlackExcalibur
Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ 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.
Romance Princess
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Sprinkle Lovenuts
Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Ladybird
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! πββοΈπ Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Biscuit Meg
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Wooden Man
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Flame OUT
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Natural Gold
Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
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