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.
Fire Fish
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Trash Pocky
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Shade Nightman
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Fire Feline
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Microwave
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Rink Ruler
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Riff Raff
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
High Deck
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Eerie Mizzen
No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
LocKz
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
Instant Star
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Jack Cassidy
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Tin Fox
I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
Steel Solstice
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Red Woman
Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
GoldTouch
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
NexusNavigator
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
ForumFlare
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Lady Fantastic
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Skirble
Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
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