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 BenjamΓn 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.
Spit Turanga
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Glyph
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy.
Gas Man
π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
DreamDasher
The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Lunar Treat
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Slinger
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream.
Dance Bloom
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
RiddleRanger
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Journeyman
ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Osprey
ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Tart Voodoo
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable.
Gullyway
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Capital F
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience.
Lady Katniss
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
Doz
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Terror Master
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Wooden German
π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Impulse
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book.
Palomino Cake
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Jade Fox
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ
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