Book description
A finalist for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award The gripping story of the most important overlooked commodity in the world--sand--and the crucial role it plays in our lives. After water and air, sand is the natural resource that we consume more than any other--even more than oil. Every concrete building and paved road on Earth, every computer screen and silicon chip, is made from sand. From Egypt's pyramids to the Hubble telescope, from the world's tallest skyscraper to the sidewalk below it, from Chartres' stained-glass windows to your iPhone, sand shelters us, empowers us, engages us, and inspires us. It's the ingredient that makes possible our cities, our science, our lives--and our future. And, incredibly, we're running out of it. The World in a Grain is the compelling true story of the hugely important and diminishing natural resource that grows more essential every day, and of the people who mine it, sell it, build with it--and sometimes, even kill for it. It's also a provocative examination of the serious human and environmental costs incurred by our dependence on sand, which has received little public attention. Not all sand is created equal: Some of the easiest sand to get to is the least useful. Award-winning journalist Vince Beiser delves deep into this world, taking readers on a journey across the globe, from the United States to remote corners of India, China, and Dubai to explain why sand is so crucial to modern life. Along the way, readers encounter world-changing innovators, island-building entrepreneurs, desert fighters, and murderous sand pirates. The result is an entertaining and eye-opening work, one that is both unexpected and involving, rippling with fascinating detail and filled with surprising characters.
Willow Dragon
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Tokyo Dream
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π
Gothic Gucci
βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. 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.
Video Game Heroine
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
Chasm Face
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Purity Catnip
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Vagabond Warrior
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Alley Cat
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π±
Fast Draw
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened.
Chlorine
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
M8deUp
I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. 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.
Liquid Science
The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
WittyWordsmith
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Upper D3ckR
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π
Dr. Jam Man
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions.
Skylark
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Roma Kabuki
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again. 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.
Bat Magenta
Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Esquire
Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's functionality is a true delight. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Snow Cream
πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
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