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.
Twinkle
Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Thunder Tank
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Twiddle Twix
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Blue Despair
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. 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!
Steel Solstice
I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Tacklebox
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Mammoth 2
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. 📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Lady Petal
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature.
Bruh
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Little Drunk Girl
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Black Fantastic
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
Campfire Mama
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Red Woman
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Arsenic Coo
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Kamikaze Granny
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! 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!
Sugar Hiccup
Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Fuzzy Claws
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! The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Ella of Light
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. 🔥 Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine – this app is my secret weapon! ✨📖
StorySculptor
I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧
Ginger Chaos
🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
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