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.
Pixy Mox
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks โ nature and narratives, a perfect match! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Sly Silvermoon
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls โ it's a joy to navigate. Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection โ this app's functionality is a winner. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! ๐๐
SmartieQuest
๐ผ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation โ audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. ๐ป๐ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch โ it's like having a personalized reading.
Trash Pocky
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio โ from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless.
Stud muffin
I can't get enough of this app โ it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Sly Bible
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits โ so cool! ๐ฑ Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward โ this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ๐๐ซ ๐ง Elevating my reading experience โ this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. ๐ฑ๐
Divine Bramble
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Airport Hobo
๐๏ธ๐ง Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads โ this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ๐๏ธ๐ ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion.
Delicious
๐ Simplifying my reading routine โ this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. ๐โจ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. 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!
Despair
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
StormCake
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle โ this app's design is a win. 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.
Yellow Menace
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse โ chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. 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!
Sultan of Speed
The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Heaven Sent
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Highlander Monk
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
Tea Kettle
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Knuckles
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Sherm
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
Viceswerve
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime โ I'm truly grateful. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. 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.
Roma Kabuki
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
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