Book description
A finalist for the 2023 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award "[A] glorious guide to the miracle of life's sound." --The New York Times Book Review A lyrical exploration of the diverse sounds of our planet, the creative processes that produced these marvels, and the perils that sonic diversity now faces We live on a planet alive with song, music, and speech. David Haskell explores how these wonders came to be. In rain forests shimmering with insect sound and swamps pulsing with frog calls we learn about evolution's creative powers. From birds in the Rocky Mountains and on the streets of Paris, we discover how animals learn their songs and adapt to new environments. Below the waves, we hear our kinship to beings as different as snapping shrimp, toadfish, and whales. In the startlingly divergent sonic vibes of the animals of different continents, we experience the legacies of plate tectonics, the deep history of animal groups and their movements around the world, and the quirks of aesthetic evolution. Starting with the origins of animal song and traversing the whole arc of Earth history, Haskell illuminates and celebrates the emergence of the varied sounds of our world. In mammoth ivory flutes from Paleolithic caves, violins in modern concert halls, and electronic music in earbuds, we learn that human music and language belong within this story of ecology and evolution. Yet we are also destroyers, now silencing or smothering many of the sounds of the living Earth. Haskell takes us to threatened forests, noise-filled oceans, and loud city streets, and shows that sonic crises are not mere losses of sensory ornament. Sound is a generative force, and so the erasure of sonic diversity makes the world less creative, just, and beautiful. The appreciation of the beauty and brokenness of sound is therefore an important guide in today's convulsions and crises of change and inequity. Sounds Wild and Broken is an invitation to listen, wonder, belong, and act.
Silver Rose
Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Nickname Master
ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Killer Merlot
With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
NexusNomad
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. 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!
Trash Master
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning.
1st Degree
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
California Goddess
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze.
Drop Stone
Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Burn
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Pixie Soldier
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚
Voodoo Queen
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
MysticMingle
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜
Lord Theus
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. 🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Mental
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way.
Infinite Hole
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
VisionVortex
The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Crumb Cake
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience.
Fuzzy Claws
📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Sapiens
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Spooky Electric
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable.
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