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.
Pixie
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for.
Wooden German
I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Friday Fox
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Knuckles
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Taz Ringer
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Shwatson
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Wanted Candy
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. 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.
HOV
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces.
Blackfire
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. 📚🎧
Engine Eye
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
Stacker of Wheat
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
Spicy Thunder
Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. 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!
Pixy Mox
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Snow Pharaoh
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
Pompeii Unicorn
Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
MindfulMingle
With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨
Lil Rebel Ma
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Athens Fire
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Jelly Camber
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏
Kickstart
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. 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! Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
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