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.
Mauve Cactus
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Gamer Bean
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Tea Kettle
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. ๐ถ๐ Replacing tunes with stories โ my house is alive with the sound of narration! ๐ง๐ The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Cuff Queen
I can't imagine my life without this app โ it's my daily dose of literature. ๐๐ On-the-go listening has never been smoother โ this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ๐๐ The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless.
Kitchen
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's functionality is truly impressive. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Whip Chu
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury โ it's a convenient habit. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Twine X
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
Mercury Reborn
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Cricket
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful!
East Army
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal โ unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Crash Test
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ
Firefly
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle โ I can enjoy books while doing chores! Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Shady Prairie
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits โ truly impressive. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Suicide Jockey
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ๐ฑ An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality โ audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ๐๐ ListenBookโs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience. 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 Belgian
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze โ this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
Scarlet Mary
The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Sky
Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnโt stop listening.
Tabasco Dracula
Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Intimidation Station
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. The app's design is sleek and modern โ it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
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