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.
Sky Dahlia
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π
Pepper
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
The Happy Jock
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient.
xSTORMx
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
LerveDr
This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
Scuffs
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Flint
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding.
Venom Charms
Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring!
Dahlia
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile!
Acetic Princess
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Beetle King
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver!
RealmRanger
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Honey
Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Mauve Cactus
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
ZenaCake
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§
Uluru Walker
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§
Soiled Dove
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations.
Burst Nibbler
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
Shadow Bishop
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
Howitzer Rise
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
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