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.
Free Ham
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience.
Zesty Dragon
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
Crash Override
Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Sepukku
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
EchoEnigma
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Star Killer
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Mental Prophet
With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Metal Lady
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Hyper
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Joker's Grin
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done!
Sun Washer
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
King Bass
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Sir Shove
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze.
Bae
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey.
FrankenGrin
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π
Swampmasher
The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze.
Pitfall Whiskers
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Pluto
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Mud Pie Man
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Foot-long Fry
The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use 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