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.
Mint Ness
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
Stacker of Wheat
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. 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§ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Apple Nola
Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Mother Night
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Tse Tse Guy
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! 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!
Rope
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Whip 2T
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. Iβm 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!
Gingersnap Woman
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
Foot-long Fry
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Accidental Genius
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Back Bett
With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
High Heel Goddess
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience.
DreamWeaver
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
High Heel Goddess
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨
Prof. Smirk
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
GuTzd
π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Midnight Rider
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§
Mosquit-No
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Hightower
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 The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Senior Smurf
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
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