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.
Voluntary
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
BuzzBait
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Miss Lucky
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Little Drunk Girl
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Jigsaw
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Phoenix Sparrow
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem.
360
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Delicious Cupid
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. 📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Truth
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. 🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨 This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Twinkle Cocoa
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Pepper Prada
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Silver Cup
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Chocolate Thunder
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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!
DuckDuck
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
Roadspike
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit.
Gov Skull
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖 Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
CZR
The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Engine Eye
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Popeye Wipeout
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Candy Butcher
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏
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