Book description
FINALIST FOR THE PEN/E.O. WILSON LITERARY SCIENCE WRITING AWARD***A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2021***A SCIENCE NEWS FAVORITE BOOK OF 2021***A SMITHSONIAN TOP TEN SCIENCE BOOK OF 2021 "Stories that both dazzle and edify... This book is not just about life, but about discovery itself." --Siddhartha Mukherjee, New York Times Book ReviewWe all assume we know what life is, but the more scientists learn about the living world--from protocells to brains, from zygotes to pandemic viruses--the harder they find it is to locate life's edge. Carl Zimmer investigates one of the biggest questions of all: What is life? The answer seems obvious until you try to seriously answer it. Is the apple sitting on your kitchen counter alive, or is only the apple tree it came from deserving of the word? If we can't answer that question here on earth, how will we know when and if we discover alien life on other worlds? The question hangs over some of society's most charged conflicts--whether a fertilized egg is a living person, for example, and when we ought to declare a person legally dead. Life's Edge is an utterly fascinating investigation that no one but one of the most celebrated science writers of our generation could craft. Zimmer journeys through the strange experiments that have attempted to re-create life. Literally hundreds of definitions of what that should look like now exist, but none has yet emerged as an obvious winner. Lists of what living things have in common do not add up to a theory of life. It's never clear why some items on the list are essential and others not. Coronaviruses have altered the course of history, and yet many scientists maintain they are not alive. Chemists are creating droplets that can swarm, sense their environment, and multiply. Have they made life in the lab? Whether he is handling pythons in Alabama or searching for hibernating bats in the Adirondacks, Zimmer revels in astounding examples of life at its most bizarre. He tries his own hand at evolving life in a test tube with unnerving results. Charting the obsession with Dr. Frankenstein's monster and how the world briefly believed radium was the source of all life, Zimmer leads us all the way into the labs and minds of researchers engineering life from scratch.
Iron Butterfly
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Judge
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
Flint
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§
Spooky Electric
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ
NecroBull
This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Prof. Smirk
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ
Sβmore Vixen
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. 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 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Sidewalk Enforcer
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift.
Kawaii Red
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation.
Shay
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me.
Rosie Bird
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons.
ThermalMode
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
Twister Hero
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
VenusLion
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π
Twisty Freesia
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
Iron Butterfly
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Lewd Dice
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
High Kingdom Warrior
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures.
Die Slice
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. 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§ Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
Grave Scuttlebutt
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 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