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.
Steel
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Hightower
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience.
AxelRoad
🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Flotsams54
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
InsightInkwell
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Houston
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Reno Monarch
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Stud
Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
DreamDiver
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
NexusNinja
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. ⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Sienna Princess
The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Sky
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Babe
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨ ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
DreamDiver
Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Trixie Doodle
🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
RoarSweetie
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits – truly impressive. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Cosmo
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Spunky Sphinx
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. 📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Danqqqqq
ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
Bad Beh8vior
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
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