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.
Innocent Ghost
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family.
Troublemasher
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Ladybird
Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Feral Cookie
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
The China Wall
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. 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!
101
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Fire Queen
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Tan Stallion
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ
Lord Nikon
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Bootleg Taximan
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
FireBerry
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. 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!
Silent
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! The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Fatsy Bear
I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
RDTN
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Joker's Grin
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Predator
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Scrapper
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
New York Sixlet
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Marshmallow
The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Pusher
ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
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