Book description
The New York Times bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically goes on a rollicking journey to understand the enduring power of puzzles- why we love them, what they do to our brains, and how they can improve our world.
"Even though I've never attempted the New York Times crossword puzzle or solved the Rubik's Cube, I couldn't put down The Puzzler."-Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before
What makes puzzles-jigsaws, mazes, riddles, sudokus-so satisfying? Be it the formation of new cerebral pathways, their close link to insight and humor, or their community-building properties, they're among the fundamental elements that make us human. Convinced that puzzles have made him a better person, A.J. Jacobs-four-time New York Times bestselling author, master of immersion journalism, and nightly crossworder-set out to determine their myriad benefits. And maybe, in the process, solve the puzzle of our very existence. Well, almost.
In The Puzzler, Jacobs meets the most zealous devotees, enters (sometimes with his family in tow) any puzzle competition that will have him, unpacks the history of the most popular puzzles, and aims to solve the most impossible head-scratchers, from a mutant Rubik's Cube, to the hardest corn maze in America, to the most sadistic jigsaw. Chock-full of unforgettable adventures and original examples from around the world-including new work by Greg Pliska, one of America's top puzzle-makers, and a hidden, super-challenging but solvable puzzle that will earn the first reader to crack it a $10,000 prize*-The Puzzler will open readers' eyes to the power of flexible thinking and concentration. Whether you're puzzle obsessed or puzzle hesitant, you'll walk away with real problem-solving strategies and pathways toward becoming a better thinker and decision maker-for these are certainly puzzling times.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. U.S. Residents, 18+. Ends May 3, 2023. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See book for details.
Orange Teflon
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls.
VisionVortex
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Proper
Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Bom Crossed
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
42nd Street
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Danger Menace
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Armed Hawk
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive. Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§
MrOnsTr
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
EchoEmissary
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience.
PixelPioneer
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Sandbox
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
SprkR
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Vicious Street
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Berlin Kamikaze
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ±
Fist Wizard
Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Crash Test
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Mr. Wholesome
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Little Cobra
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
RedFisher
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
Raggedy Ann
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable.
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