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.
Golden Cougar
Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly.
Undergrad Split
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Casanova
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Sassy Muffin
Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Troubled Chick
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Duchess
βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Good William
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Nueva Nova
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Electric Player
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Tough Nut
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again.
Freaky Ratbuster
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
Wiccan Trouble
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Cereal Killer
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Flint
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Engine Eye
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Miss Lucky
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
Metal Lady
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. 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! Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Burn
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Night Magnet
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
Deano
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
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