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.
ManMaker
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
ELLerG!c
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 is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Necessary Momentum
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings.
Palomino Cake
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Ship Whip
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
CoB@lt
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. 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! I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Cool Iris
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Troubled Pie
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Corny
ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Metal Lady
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
Duke Electro
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
ThoughtTracer
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
xSTORMx
Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Boost Princess
Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. It’s so easy to navigate.
Mad Jack
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Biscuit Meg
Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
The Belgian
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Delirious Supernova
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Zero Charisma
Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Sugar Hiccup
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
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