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.
ThermalMode
Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§ Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Plenty Orange
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Cujo
I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time.
Dez North
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
LuminaLore
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Pexxious
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. 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 easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
London Fox
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Bad Beret
β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze.
Sapiens
As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
DZE
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Bearded Angler
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
MindfulMingle
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Gas Man
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Shy Warrior
ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
Demolition Queen
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Scratch Man
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Snapdragon
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. 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! 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!
AxelRoad
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner.
Kamikaze Granny
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Serendipity
The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
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