Book description
James Watson and Francis Crick's 1953 discovery of the double helix structure of DNA is the foundation of virtually every advance in our modern understanding of genetics and molecular biology. But how did Watson and Crick do it--and why were they the ones who succeeded?In truth, the discovery of DNA's structure is the story of five towering minds in pursuit of the advancement of science, and for almost all of them, the prospect of fame and immortality: Watson, Crick, Rosalind Franklin, Maurice Wilkins, and Linus Pauling. Each was fascinating and brilliant, with strong personalities that often clashed. Howard Markel skillfully re-creates the intense intellectual journey, and fraught personal relationships, that ultimately led to a spectacular breakthrough. But it is Rosalind Franklin--fiercely determined, relentless, and an outsider at Cambridge and the University of London in the 1950s, as the lone Jewish woman among young male scientists--who becomes a focal point for Markel. The Secret of Life is a story of genius and perseverance, but also a saga of cronyism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, and misconduct. Drawing on voluminous archival research, including interviews with James Watson and with Franklin's sister, Jenifer Glynn, Markel provides a fascinating look at how science is done, how reputations are undone, and how history is written, and revised.A vibrant evocation of Cambridge in the 1950s, Markel also provides colorful depictions of Watson and Crick--their competitiveness, idiosyncrasies, and youthful immaturity--and compelling portraits of Wilkins, Pauling, and most cogently, Rosalind Franklin. The Secret of Life is a lively and sweeping narrative of this landmark discovery, one that finally gives the woman at the center of this drama her due.
Junkyard Dog
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§
Heartbreaker
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Grave Digger
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Rusty Vortex
This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Snake Eyes
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Little Drunk Girl
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Gold Dahlia
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Murmur
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Cumulo
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ
Gold Bentley
With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Guillotine Trigger
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app.
Dallas Burn
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Doz Killer
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. 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.
Pepper Mouse
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨ Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Chicago Blackout
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Pinup Diva
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
RDTN
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Spit Turanga
I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Kawaii Red
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Little Cobra
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
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