Book description
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "A new masterpiece from one of my favorite authors... [How The World Really Works] is a compelling and highly readable book that leaves readers with the fundamental grounding needed to help solve the world's toughest challenges."--Bill Gates "Provocative but perceptive . . . You can agree or disagree with Smil--accept or doubt his 'just the facts' posture--but you probably shouldn't ignore him."--The Washington Post An essential analysis of the modern science and technology that makes our twenty-first century lives possible--a scientist's investigation into what science really does, and does not, accomplish. We have never had so much information at our fingertips and yet most of us don't know how the world really works. This book explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalization, to risks, our environment and its future, How the World Really Works offers a much-needed reality check--because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts. In this ambitious and thought-provoking book we see, for example, that globalization isn't inevitable--the foolishness of allowing 70 per cent of the world's rubber gloves to be made in just one factory became glaringly obvious in 2020--and that our societies have been steadily increasing their dependence on fossil fuels, such that any promises of decarbonization by 2050 are a fairy tale. For example, each greenhouse-grown supermarket-bought tomato has the equivalent of five tablespoons of diesel embedded in its production, and we have no way of producing steel, cement or plastics at required scales without huge carbon emissions. Ultimately, Smil answers the most profound question of our age: are we irrevocably doomed or is a brighter utopia ahead? Compelling, data-rich and revisionist, this wonderfully broad, interdisciplinary guide finds faults with both extremes. Looking at the world through this quantitative lens reveals hidden truths that change the way we see our past, present and uncertain future.
Miss Lucky
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Lord Nikon
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Twinkle Cutlass
πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Shady Prairie
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Sugar Domino
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Atomic Blastoid
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Freak
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Mental
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
Chapstick
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Mammoth 2
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips.
Viceswerve
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Indigo Red
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Impulsive Flower
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Silent
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Ember Rope
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Dez Bonbon
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
McDreamy
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Red Heroine
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
General Finish
ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ±
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