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.
Zero Charisma
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Troubled Chick
Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Admiral Tot
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
Mallow Man
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ
General Finish
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
DZE
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner.
Freeway
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Sky Bully
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Sky Dahlia
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Crash Override
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
TeederSmartie
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Uncle Psycho
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Hella Fella
πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Master Jetson
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Venious
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
AlertXis
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am.
NecroBull
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ 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! Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Plegasus
Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
ThreadTrail
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Psycho Thinker
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
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