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.
Evil Smith
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Mud Pie Man
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Slint FUBAR
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app!
Gothic Gucci
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience.
DriftDetector
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. 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! Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
Bones
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
CZR
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Woo Woo
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️
Flame OUT
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem!
Scare Stone
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
SkyGod
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
M8deUp
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Wrangler Jim
🏡 Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background – talk about productivity! 🧼📖 Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Bombay Shivers
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
True Sweetness
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. 🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 💼 Workday blues? Not anymore – this app turns my office hours into reading time! 💻📖 An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Twiddle Twix
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Foot-long Fry
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. 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. 📱🔊 ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
Mammoth 2
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable.
2nd Hand Joe
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Sick Saurus
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
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