Book description
In the bestselling tradition of Stuff Matters and The Disappearing Spoon a clever and engaging look at materials, the innovations they made possible, and how these technologies changed us. Finalist for the 41st Los Angeles Times Book Award in Science and Technology and selected as one of the Best Summer Science Books Of 2020 by Science Friday. In The Alchemy of Us, scientist and science writer Ainissa Ramirez examines eight inventions--clocks, steel rails, copper communication cables, photographic film, light bulbs, hard disks, scientific labware, and silicon chips--and reveals how they shaped the human experience. Ramirez tells the stories of the woman who sold time, the inventor who inspired Edison, and the hotheaded undertaker whose invention pointed the way to the computer. She describes, among other things, how our pursuit of precision in timepieces changed how we sleep; how the railroad helped commercialize Christmas; how the necessary brevity of the telegram influenced Hemingway's writing style; and how a young chemist exposed the use of Polaroid's cameras to create passbooks to track Black citizens in apartheid South Africa. These fascinating and inspiring stories offer new perspectives on our relationships with technologies.
Miss Fix It
πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Mud Finger
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience.
Hex Panther
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Fuzzy Claws
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ±
Tse Tse Guy
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Call Back Queen
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
RiddleRover
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience.
Goldman
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Guillotine Trigger
This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Frosty Sunshine
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB.
Lil Rebel Ma
I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Shadow Gal
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Troubled Pie
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Broomspun
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way.
Miss Murder
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Mental
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Napoleonic Haze
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ 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!
Sugar Domino
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Emerald Goddess
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless.
Snow Hound
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§
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