Book description
Publishers Weekly Best Summer Reads Overturn everything you knew about history's greatest minds in this raucous and hilarious book, where it turns out there's a finer line between "genius" and "idiot" than we've previously known. "As Albert Einstein almost certainly never said, everyone is a genius - but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." So begins Katie Spalding's spunky takedown of the Western canon, and how genius may not be as irrefutably great as we commonly understand. While most of us may never become Einstein, it may surprise you to learn that there's probably a bunch of stuff you can do that Einstein couldn't. And, as Spalding shows, the famous prodigies she explores here were quite odd by any definition. For example: Thomas Edison, inventor of the lightbulb, believed that he could communicate with the undead and built the world's very first hotline to heaven: the Spirit Phone. Marie and Pierre Curie, famous for discovering radioactivity, slept next to a lump of radioactive material for years and strapped it to their arms to watch it burn them in real-time. Lord Byron, acclaimed British poet, literally took a bear with him to university. Isaac Newton discovered the laws of gravity and motion, but he also looked up at the sun without eye protection. The result? Three days of blindness. Tesla, whose scientific work led to the invention of the AC unit, fell in love with a pigeon. Edison's Ghosts is filled with examples of the so-called best of humanity doing, to put it bluntly, some really dumb shit. You'll discover stories that deserve to be told but never are: the hilarious, regrettable, and downright bafflingly lesser-known achievements that never made it into our history books, until now.
Gro
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Toxic-oxide
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧
Sepukku
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
AlertXis
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! 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.
Runway Darling
The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Bad Beret
This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Pearl Girl
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly.
Venious
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Guncap Slingbad
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Lady Katniss
The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
Purity
This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. 🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧 ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Bom Crossed
No more hassle with converting files – ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Alpha
This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
Mechani-Man
Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Delicious
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
ByteBard
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. 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!
Sky Dahlia
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! An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Star Killer
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. 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!
Breadmaker
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Swedish Twizz
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊 The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
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