Book description
A Best Book of 2020 (NPR)A Best Book of 2020 (The Economist)A Top Ten Best Science Book of 2020 (Smithsonian) A Best Science and Technology Book of 2020 (Library Journal)A Must-Read Book to Escape the Chaos of 2020 (Newsweek)Starred review (Booklist) Starred review (Publishers Weekly) A historically unprecedented disconnect between humanity and the heavens has opened. Jo Marchant's book can begin to heal it. For at least 20,000 years, we have led not just an earthly existence but a cosmic one. Celestial cycles drove every aspect of our daily lives. Our innate relationship with the stars shaped who we are--our art, religious beliefs, social status, scientific advances, and even our biology. But over the last few centuries we have separated ourselves from the universe that surrounds us. It's a disconnect with a dire cost. Our relationship to the stars and planets has moved from one of awe, wonder and superstition to one where technology is king--the cosmos is now explored through data on our screens, not by the naked eye observing the natural world. Indeed, in most countries, modern light pollution obscures much of the night sky from view. Jo Marchant's spellbinding parade of the ways different cultures celebrated the majesty and mysteries of the night sky is a journey to the most awe-inspiring view you can ever see: looking up on a clear dark night. That experience and the thoughts it has engendered have radically shaped human civilization across millennia. The cosmos is the source of our greatest creativity in art, in science, in life. To show us how, Jo Marchant takes us to the Hall of the Bulls in the caves at Lascaux in France, and to the summer solstice at a 5,000-year-old tomb at Newgrange, Ireland. We discover Chumash cosmology and visit medieval monks grappling with the nature of time and Tahitian sailors navigating by the stars. We discover how light reveals the chemical composition of the sun, and we are with Einstein as he works out that space and time are one and the same. A four-billion-year-old meteor inspires a search for extraterrestrial life. The cosmically liberating, summary revelation is that star-gazing made us human.
Hyper Kong
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Sw00sh
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Manimal
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth.
Airport Hobo
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching.
Tacklebox
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Houston Rocket
ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Hitch Frenzy
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Plegasus
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
The Beekeeper
Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Good William
This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. Iβm 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!
Racy Lady
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. 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!
Predator
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Station WMD
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Senior Smurf
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
Juice Petite
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Con Mammoth
ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Hidden Tree
πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Dahlia Bumble
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Sugar Man
With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Trash Sling
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
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