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.
Burst Nibbler
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. ๐ฑ๐ง With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
German Coach
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. Effortlessly exploring new worlds โ this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Crumb Cake
Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ๐๐ง Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Hella Fella
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Gentle Avenger
๐ Say goodbye to boredom during long drives โ this app makes road trips fly by! ๐๐ ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Pigeon Woman
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. ๐๐ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed โ bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! ๐ด๐ง Seamless audiobook integration โ this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ๐๐ฑ
DragonBlood
๐ฉโ๐ณ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories โ this app adds flavor to my meals! ๐ณ๐ง Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iโll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
StarZen
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle โ this app's design is a win. ListenBookโs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Insane SweepKick
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ๐๐ง
Sherm
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ๐ถ๐ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. ๐ง๐ถ I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files.
Flame OUT
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Staying entertained during leisurely walks โ audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง ๐ Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. ๐ฑ๐ง ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Proper
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day! This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
DollFaceKillah
๐ This app's functionality is a masterpiece โ it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ๐๐จ ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Stacker of Wheat
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ๐๐ Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Lope Lope
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itโs great for when I zone out.
Metal Aphrodite
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Gr8 Flick
Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's functionality is truly impressive. Simplifying my audiobook experience โ this app's design is a game-changer. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
RetroMirage
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
Bad Princess
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
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