Book description
Named a Top 10 Best Book of 2023 by Publishers Weekly - a national bestseller - a New York Times Editor's Choice pick "A contemporary writer of thrilling originality . . . The MANIAC is a work of dark, eerie and singular beauty." --The Washington Post "Darkly absorbing . . . A brooding, heady narrative that is addictively interesting." --Wall Street Journal From one of contemporary literature's most exciting new voices, a haunting story centered on the Hungarian polymath John von Neumann, tracing the impact of his singular legacy on the dreams and nightmares of the twentieth century and the nascent age of AI Benjamín Labatut's When We Cease to Understand the World electrified a global readership. A Booker Prize and National Book Award finalist, and one of the New York Times' Ten Best Books of the Year, it explored the life and thought of a clutch of mathematicians and physicists who took science to strange and sometimes dangerous new realms. In The MANIAC, Labatut has created a tour de force on an even grander scale. A prodigy whose gifts terrified the people around him, John von Neumann transformed every field he touched, inventing game theory and the first programable computer, and pioneering AI, digital life, and cellular automata. Through a chorus of family members, friends, colleagues, and rivals, Labatut shows us the evolution of a mind unmatched and of a body of work that has unmoored the world in its wake. The MANIAC places von Neumann at the center of a literary triptych that begins with Paul Ehrenfest, an Austrian physicist and friend of Einstein, who fell into despair when he saw science and technology become tyrannical forces; it ends a hundred years later, in the showdown between the South Korean Go Master Lee Sedol and the AI program AlphaGo, an encounter embodying the central question of von Neumann's most ambitious unfinished project: the creation of a self-reproducing machine, an intelligence able to evolve beyond human understanding or control. A work of beauty and fabulous momentum, The MANIAC confronts us with the deepest questions we face as a species.
Marine Dre
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Light Lion
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Troubled Pie
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. 🏡 Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background – talk about productivity! 🧼📖 Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
AirportHobo XD
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset.
Sky Herald
🌟 Reading has never been this easy – this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. 📚💫 ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
CodeExia
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight.
Purity
The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Chip Queen
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
Bombay Shivers
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
Burst Nibbler
Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Ice
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience.
FRMhndshk
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Pink Stream
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨
WanderWord
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Round Kick Boomer
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
360
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Bambi Benz
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
NemesisX
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Beo
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences.
ByteBard
🎧 Carrying a world of literature in my headphones – this app's convenience is truly remarkable. 📚💫 Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
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