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.
Hoboken Nightingale
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph.
Aqua Diva
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Accidental Genius
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. 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.
Demo Tequila
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Indestructible Potato
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Onion King
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Lady Pomegranate
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Pusher
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again.
Wolf Tribune
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
M8deUp
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§
Gamer Bean
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ππ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
FearLeSS
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Unleashed
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Acid Queen
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Sir Shove
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Sβmore Vixen
π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Freesia
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance β it's a must-have for any reader. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy.
White Swan
π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
High-Fructose
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
Jo Jo Spooky
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
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