Book description
An evolutionary biologist tells the story of nature's toxins and why we are attracted--and addicted--to them, in this "magisterial, fascinating, and gripping tour de force" (Neil Shubin). A deadly secret lurks within our spice racks, medicine cabinets, backyard gardens, and private stashes. Scratch beneath the surface of a coffee bean, a red pepper flake, a poppy seed, a mold spore, a foxglove leaf, a magic-mushroom cap, a marijuana bud, or an apple seed, and we find a bevy of strange chemicals. We use these to greet our days (caffeine), titillate our tongues (capsaicin), recover from surgery (opioids), cure infections (penicillin), mend our hearts (digoxin), bend our minds (psilocybin), calm our nerves (CBD), and even kill our enemies (cyanide). But why do plants and fungi produce such chemicals? And how did we come to use and abuse some of them? Based on cutting-edge science in the fields of evolution, chemistry, and neuroscience, Most Delicious Poison reveals: The origins of toxins produced by plants, mushrooms, microbes, and even some animals The mechanisms that animals evolved to overcome them How a co-evolutionary arms race made its way into the human experience And much more This perpetual chemical war not only drove the diversification of life on Earth, but also is intimately tied to our own successes and failures. You will never look at a houseplant, mushroom, fruit, vegetable, or even the past five hundred years of human history the same way again.
Undergrad
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable.
Bom Crossed
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ππ Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨
CuriousCraft
This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
CyberScribe
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§
Cabbie
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Dandelion
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. 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 β it's an essential part of my day. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³
Crossing Guard
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
ThreadTrail
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. 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§ The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Night Train
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Crossing Guard
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Tokyo Dream
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales.
Vermilion
This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Lil Rebel Ma
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover.
Bitmap
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Kamikaze Grandma
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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! 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.
Soda Delirium
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Cosmic Presence
Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
K-9
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph.
Street Jolly
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Z-Boy
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
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