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.
RDTN
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Back Bett
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
K-9
The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Energy
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease.
Midnight Rider
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats!
Knuckles
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Silent
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧
BoomerBox
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections.
Roadspike
🛌 Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. 🌙📚 CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Swing Setter
🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Scratch Man
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study.
Troublemasher
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
CodeExia
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. 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!
Miss Rum Punch
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
RZR
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner.
Highlander Monk
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
London Fox
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Lord Nikon
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. 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.
Preach Man
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
JesterZilla
No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So 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