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.
Earl of Arms
The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
RDTN
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Shivers
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
King Bass
I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Snout Pixie
ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Bridge Whip
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files.
Winter Underdog
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Pepper Prada
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ
Bat Magenta
The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Spunky Comet
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
Sofa King
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§
Scuffs
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits.
Prof. Smirk
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
WanderWord
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books.
Swampmasher
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Sweetness
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
Pixie
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Bad Beret
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π
Voodoo Cyclone
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Dredd
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
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