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.
Rook
I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! π±π Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
King Bass
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind.
Manimal
Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
21st Street
Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition.
Night Train
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§
Spunky Comet
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ
Slacker Cat
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Wildcat Appaloosa
Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps.
Low Voltage
π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive.
Kickstart
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
Canary Apple Red
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Flyswat Briggs
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic.
Sherwood Gladiator
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files.
Don Stab
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Midas
Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey.
Ba1t
π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π
Most Wanted
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation.
Infinite Hole
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true.
Psycho Thinker
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§
Bourbon Mirage
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
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