Book description
More Than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes Our World
Maryellen MacDonald's More Than Words turns a familiar habit-speaking-into a fascinating scientific adventure. With clarity and enthusiasm, she shows that talking is not just a tool for sharing ideas; it is a powerful cognitive exercise that sculpts our brains and our lives.
From the moment we begin to speak as infants, our brains are busy negotiating meaning, syntax, and emotion-all while we listen to others. MacDonald explains how this "word-work" shapes attention, memory, learning, and even emotional regulation. The book is peppered with compelling examples: how classroom conversations boost student engagement, how the rhythm of speech can predict mental illness, and how talking can slow cognitive decline in later life.
Her discussion on language diversity-how different cultures mold their words to fit conversational demands-is especially eye-opening. It reminds us that our linguistic habits are not static; they evolve with social interaction and purpose. The chapter on political polarization shows that even casual chatter can reinforce beliefs, a warning for anyone navigating today's media landscape.
For educators, parents, and policymakers, the implications are profound. MacDonald suggests simple yet effective changes: encouraging dialogue in schools, fostering mindful conversations at home, and designing public spaces that promote speech over silence. These ideas feel both practical and transformative.
Overall, More Than Words is a beautifully written, accessible guide that invites readers to rethink the everyday act of talking as an essential tool for mental fitness and societal connection. It's a must-read for anyone curious about how our voices shape not only what we say but who we become.
Mad Jack
Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Lskeee
ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. 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!
Admiral Tot
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Mr. Spy
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Joker's Grin
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. 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!
Pitfall
💪 Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features – audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! 💼🎧 Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Maple Destroyer
Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! 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!
Starshine
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. 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!
Y0dler
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Highlander Monk
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Irish Dze
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Barbwire
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge.
VenusXX
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Twisty Freesia
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion.
PixelPathfinder
💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Chuckles
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Uncle Buddy
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. 💡 Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder – thank you, this app! 📱📖 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Miss Fix It
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Moon Solitaire
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Fire Bite
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment.
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