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.
Juice Petite
I've become addicted to this app โ in the best possible way! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Cali Yacht
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process โ I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. ๐ Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ๐๐
Fatsy Bear
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. Audiobook immersion without complications โ this app's ease of use is commendable. Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is impressive. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
BearDrift
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience โ it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. One of the best audiobooks Iโve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorโs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Willow Dragon
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging!
Spicy Thunder
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Ice
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds โ this app's functionality is genius. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. ๐ฑ๐ง AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
Trick Baron
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go.
Toy Town
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. No need to convert files anymore โ ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Handsome
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings.
Steel Solstice
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio โ it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
NightDream
๐ฑ Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ๐๐ฅ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Toe
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks โ this app has converted me! With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Simplifying audiobook adventures โ this app's ease of use is a delight. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
Zorkle Sporkle
๐ Rekindling my love for stories โ this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ๐๐ ListenBookโs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Gas Man
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach.
Tall Sally
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection โ it's a parenting win! ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening.
Frosty Snazz
The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Black Hole Necromancer
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnโt blown away. The narratorโs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Sassy Muffin
This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
The Happy Jock
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
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