Book description
FINALIST FOR THE PEN/E.O. WILSON LITERARY SCIENCE WRITING AWARDA NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2021A 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.
Miss Lucky
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Romance Guppy
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's functionality is a standout. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Round Kick Boomer
ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Rooster
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience.
London Fox
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
Spellbinder
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
Heaven Sent
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance β it's a must-have for any reader. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit.
Mr. Fabulous
Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
MindfulMingle
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Twinkle Cutlass
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Microwave
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ
Flint Cast-Iron
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Master Jetson
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Murder Cherry
This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Troubadour
The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
Vortex
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Midas
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
The Beekeeper
With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
New York Winder
This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Steel Cut Toe
πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 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