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.
Redneck Giorgio
Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
CirrusFlash
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ
NightDream
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
FireBerry
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Danger Menace
π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Sky Herald
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Lskeee
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving.
Achilles Mountain
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits.
Rando Tank
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
CuriousCoder
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am.
Mauve Cactus
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Potato Sub
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π
180
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§
Potato Sub
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
DreadSherX
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Twitch
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
ByteBard
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven.
CosPlatoon
πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Nessie Pork
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites.
Bae
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
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