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.
Rusty Vortex
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
MindfulMingle
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Rook
Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience! A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Rope
With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use.
Killer Merlot
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Risen
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature. ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
Lope Lope
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π
Abyss Tamer
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket.
Find It Girl
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Moon Orchid
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Spit Turanga
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Sky
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books.
Po1son
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§
CyberScribe
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Pixie Soldier
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Lucky Martian
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
CZR
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
D-Hog-Day
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§
Firedog
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
SpellTansy
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
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