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.
Bitmap
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Wheels
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
Universe Bullet
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Sky Dahlia
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer.
Pexxious
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Papa Smurf
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Ex0tic
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast.
DreamDasher
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Lounge Master
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
The China Wall
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Bootleg Taximan
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Juice Petite
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Moon Peaches
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Breezy Mustang
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities.
Black Mustard
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Sly Silvermoon
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. 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§ The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Referee
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Dark Burn
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§
Serendipity
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. 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.
Miss Fix It
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ 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.
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